VTUAV
Abstract
The MQ-8 (popular name "Fire Scout") Vertical Take-off Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) provides real-time and non-real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance data to tactical users without the use of manned aircraft or reliance on limited joint theater or national assets. The baseline MQ-8 can accomplish missions including over-the-horizon tactical reconnaissance, classification, targeting, laser designation and battle management (including communications relay). The MQ-8 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, the incorporation of weapons, the incorporation of an electro-optical/infra-red laser designator-laser range finder modular mission payload, radar and other specialty payloads. 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-8 will be provided through standard DoD Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance system architectures and protocols. The MQ-8 system is composed of air vehicles and associated spares and support equipment, electro-optical/infra-red/laser designator-range finder payloads, Ground Control Stations (with TCS), aircraft and control station TCDL elements, and a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Common Automatic Recovery System (UCARS) for automatic takeoff and landing from ships. The MQ-8 system will support the Surface Warfare, Mine Countermeasures Warfare and Anti-Submarine Warfare mission modules while operating on Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The system will also be integrated on select surface combatants that are air capable and can host MQ-8 ancillary equipment. A limited number of land based control stations supplement the system to support shore based operations, such as predeployment, acceptance flights and expeditionary operations. These assets will also support depot level maintenance/post maintenance activities. MQ-8 endurance modification is an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) to the existing system and is in response to the Special Operations Forces (SOF), endorsed by US Central Command (CENTCOM), request for a sea based medium range, persistent Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance unmanned air system. Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) CAPE(IW) evaluated options to meet this urgent requirement. This resulted in OSD directing the Navy to upgrade Fire Scout for increased endurance, procure additional aircraft, and modify 12 additional ships in the Fiscal Year Defense Plan (FYDP) to support multiple orbits through FY18, and to initiate Medium Range Maritime UAS (MRMUAS) follow-on program. MRMUAS will provide the long term capability for the Beyond Line of Sight SOF and Navy Missions. MRMUAS is a potential joint program. The fundamental concept of the MQ-8 ECP is to leverage over 85% of the Fire Scout system hardware and 95% of the software. The MQ-8 ECP will use the existing Ground Control Station (GCS), Command and Control (C2) links, avionics, payloads, and logistics. The MQ-8 ECP will rehost the avionics, software and C2 sub-systems into a new airframe. A new airframe will provide the extended endurance and payload capacity to support, on an interim basis, the SOF requirements for orbital coverage in specific Areas of Responsibility (AOR). The MQ-8 ECP will retain the baseline targeting capability with an Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) payload and be compatible with the existing ground control stations and C2 architecture for operations at sea or from an expeditionary base ashore. The MQ-8 ECP falls within the existing program requirements Capabilities Production Document (CPD), but will require contract modification to allow the prime contractor to select a different airframe supplier. The program will carry forward the payloads, such as Brite Star II, COBRA, Automated Identification System (AIS), specialty payloads, and radar planned for the MQ-8B. Radar, as part of the program of record, will continue development and be leveraged for integration in the MQ-8. The MQ-8 increased endurance and payload capacity may allow the Navy to fully meet the LCS mission requirements with fewer aircraft lowering the Fire Scout's total ownership cost. A weapons Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC) for Fire Scout is also part of PB12. The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) has directed that a Rapid Deployment/Development Capability (RDC) for weaponizing Fire Scout be initiated in FY11 and completed by 3QFY12. The Navy is requesting to initiate this effort in FY11 using an Above Threshold Reprogramming. A Quick Reaction Assessment is planned for 3QFY12 and will leverage off planned Fire Scout LCS 1 SUW mission package testing. The VTUAV program is post Milestone C (MS C), which was approved in May 2007. MS C authorized entry into Low Rate Initial Production. A total of seven air vehicles and three control stations were purchased with Research Development Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) funds under System Design and Development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- 2768_0305231N_7_1319_PB_2012
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- Root: MQ-8 UAV
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