VTUAV

Abstract

The MQ-8 (popular name "Fire Scout") Vertical Take-off Unmanned Aerial Vehicle 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 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, dual aircraft operations, the incorporation of weapons, the incorporation of an electro-optical/infra-red/laser designator-laser range finder modular mission payload, radar, automatic identification system, and other specialty payloads. Interoperability is achieved through the use of the Tactical Control System software in the ground control station, and through the use of the Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL). Data from the MQ-8 will be provided through standard Department of Defense Command, Control, Communications, Computers and ISR. A Fire Scout system is comprised of air vehicles, payloads (electro-optical/infra-red/laser designator-range finder), Ground Control Station (with TCS and TCDL integrated for interoperability), UAV Common Automatic Recovery System (UCARS) for automatic take-off and landings, and associated spares and support equipment. A total of 56 systems are planned to support training, maintenance, test and Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) requirements. A limited number of land-based ground control stations supplement the system to support shore based operations, such as pre-deployment or acceptance functional check flights. These land based ground control stations will also support depot level maintenance/post-maintenance activities. The MQ-8 system is post Milestone C (MS C), which was approved in May 2007. MS C authorized entry into Low Rate Initial Production. The system is currently deployed on Navy Guided Missile Frigates (FFGs). The Navy has truncated MQ-8B procurement with the last LRIP buy in FY11. 21 of the 23 LRIP aircraft (90%) have been delivered. Once delivery is complete, the 23 aircraft will support 8 Fire Scout systems. MQ-8B airframes will continue to support maritime based ISR from FFGs, support LCS DT/OT events and LCS deployments. MQ-8B airframes will sunset through attrition. The MQ-8C Endurance Upgrade Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC) provides additional mission endurance, payload-weight-power, increased reliability, and improved maintenance to the Fire Scout System. The Navy plans to transition the MQ-8C capability into the Program of Record. The MQ-8C is a more cost efficient and capable system that meets both the Joint Emergent Operational Need (JEONS) Statement and the Fire Scout Capability Production Document (CPD). The Navy plans to procure 48 MQ-8C based systems to support Littoral Combat Ship. This budget transitions the MQ-8C Endurance Upgrade, Radar, and Weapons capabilities into the Program of Record to meet both the JEONS and CPD requirements with a single system.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2015
• Source ID: 2768_0305231N_7_1319_PB_2015

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