VTUAV

Abstract

The MQ-8B (Vertical Take-Off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Air Vehicle (VTUAV); popular name "Fire Scout") provides real-time and non-real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) data to tactical users without the use of manned aircraft or reliance on limited joint theater or national assets. The baseline MQ-8B can accomplish missions including over-the-horizon tactical reconnaissance, classification, targeting, laser designation and battle management (including communications relay). The MQ-8B launches and recovers vertically and can operate from air capable ships, as well as confined area land bases. Other characteristics include autonomous air vehicle launch and recovery, autonomous waypoint navigation with command override capability, and the incorporation of an electro-optical/infrared laser designator-laser range finder modular mission payload. Interoperability is achieved through the use of the Tactical Control System (TCS) software in the ground control station, and through the use of the Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL). The data from the MQ-8B will be provided through standard DoD Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) system architectures and protocols. A MQ-8B system is comprised of air vehicles, electro-optical/infrared/laser designator-rangefinder payloads, Ground Control Stations (with TCS and TCDL integrated for interoperability), and a UAV Common Automatic Recovery System (UCARS) for automatic take-off and landings, and associated spares and support equipment. The MQ-8B system will support Surface Warfare, Mine Interdiction Warfare, and Anti-Submarine Warfare mission modules while operating onboard LCS, and system procurement is tied to mission modules supporting LCS, vice sea frames. The System Design will also be integrated on select surface combatants that are air capable and can host MQ-8B ancillary equipment. A limited number of land-based ground control stations supplement the system to support shore-based operations, such as predeployment or acceptance functional check flights. These land-based ground control stations will also support depot level maintenance/post-maintenance activities. A program to continue development of the MQ-8B to meet the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) mission requirements was initiated in FY04. Program funding in FY08-10 includes efforts required to integrate the Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) payload, a mine detection sensor, under development by PMS-495. MQ-8B development and testing activities will continue in FY09. Funding is also provided in FY09 for integration of a multi-mode radar sensor. The U.S. Army has selected the MQ-8B as their Class IV UAV for the Future Combat Systems (FCS). Coordination with the U.S. Army FCS Program is on-going to investigate the potential cost savings for both programs where system commonalities and common logistics support can be identified. USN planning is to integrate MQ-8B on FFG-8 to maintain the MQ-8B OPEVAL in FY09. First deployment of the MQ-8B system will be on FFG. MQ-8B is also supporting LCS integration schedule. The MQ-8B program received Milestone C approval in May 2007, authorizing Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP). MQ-8B (VTUAV) project code moved from PE 0305204N to PE 0305231N, in FY10.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: 2768_0305204N_7_1319_PB_2011

Tags

Readers

• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy
• Autonomy - UAVs
• Directed Energy
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control