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 (ISR) 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 voice 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 frames, avionics, software and associated spares and support equipment, electro-optical/infra-red/laser designator-range finder payloads, radar, weapons, automatic identification system, other payloads, Ground Control Stations (with TCS), aircraft and control station TCDL elements, and a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Common Automatic Recovery System 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. 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-8B aircraft with payload modification and Navy FFG and DDG ships will be used to support Special Operations Forces (SOF) Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Joint Urgency of Need Statment and Navy Urgency of Need Statment near-term Rapid Deployment Capabilities. MQ-8C endurance modification is an Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC) in response to a Special Operations Command Joint Urgent Operational Needs Statement (JUONS) to the existing system and in response to SOF, endorsed by US Africa Command, request for a sea based medium range, persistent ISR unmanned air system. Fire Scout will increase endurance, procure additional aircraft, and modify 12 additional ships in the Fiscal Year Defense Plan (FYDP) to support multiple orbits through FY19. The fundamental concept of the MQ-8C RDC is to leverage over 85% of the Fire Scout system hardware and 95% of the software. The MQ-8C RDC will use the existing Ground Control Station, Command and Control (C2) links, avionics, payloads, and logistics and FFG/DDG ships previously modified for Fire Scout. Three aircraft with spares will support developmental testing with a focus on flight quantities and performance along with hardware integration and software testing. The MQ-8C RDC will rehost the avionics, software and Command and Control (C2) sub-systems into a new airframe. A new airframe will provide the extended endurance and payload capacity to support the JUONS requirements for orbital coverage in specific Areas of Responsibility. The MQ-8C RDC will retain the baseline targeting capability with an Electro-Optic/Infrared 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-8C effort will also assess/integrate payloads that are specific to the SOF mission including electronic warfare, signals intelligence and radar. The program will carry forward the payloads, such as Brite Star II, Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis, Automated Identification System, specialty payloads, weapons and radar planned for on-going MQ-8B RDCs. The MQ-8C increased endurance and payload capacity may allow the Navy to fully meet the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) mission requirements with fewer aircraft lowering the Fire Scout's total ownership cost. A weapons Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC) and a radar RDC for Fire Scout is also part of the program in response to a Navy Urgent Operational Needs Statement. The Vertical Take-off Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (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 previously purchased with Research Development Test & Evaluation funds under System Design and Development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Source ID
- 2768_0305231N_7_1319_PB_2013
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