Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System
Abstract
The Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Mission Control System (UMCS) program builds, integrates, and installs control systems required to operate the MQ-25. The UMCS program includes what was previously identified as the Control System & Connectivity (CS&C) and Carrier Vessel, Nuclear (CVN) Segments previously captured under the MQ-25 Development PU 3278. UMCS builds the following hardware: MD-5 Control Station, the Video Management System (VidMS), the ARC-210 Radio Communication System (RCS), and the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) capable radios. The control station has a ship and shore variant designated the MD-5A and MD-5B, respectively. The MD-5 consists of the following subsystems: Common Display System (CDS), Common Processing System (CPS), Network Processing Group (NPG), Integrated Communication System (ICS), and the Stingray Operating Software Suite (SOSS). MD-5A and B use the same common components with slight differences in the ICS, SOSS, and networking equipment. The VidMS provides MQ-25 air vehicle operators with the required video situational awareness of the unmanned carrier environment. The ARC-210 RCS provides narrow band Line of Sight (LOS) command and control (C2) transmissions with the MQ-25 while the MUOS capable radio provides narrow band Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) C2 transmissions with the MQ-25 using the MUOS satellite system. UMCS leads development, modification, engineering, and integration activities, facilitating seamless voice, data, and command and control exchanges with the MQ-25 air system, local networks, voice networks, C2 networks, tactical networks, intelligence systems, and launch and recovery systems. UMCS performs CVN infrastructure modifications and installs the hardware mentioned above in support of MQ-25 operations aboard select NIMITZ class carriers. All CVN installation and integration activities are planned and executed using the Ship Change Document (SCD) process. CVN installations are regulated by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) processes/guidelines that delineate strict schedules and deadlines for documentation, drawings, and hardware availability to support carrier modifications and by the CVN availability schedule (revised at least twice per year) which identifies pre-planned maintenance periods for all NIMITZ and FORD Class CVNs. Changes to the NAVSEA owned CVN availability schedule could, in turn, drive changes to the UMCS installation schedule. The CVN modification and hardware installation process can be divided into four phases. Phase 1 is characterized by the development of technical data packages (TDPs), general and specific CVN hull number guidance documents, and the SCDs to be installed; this phase begins approximately three years, or more, before the start of the CVN maintenance period. Phase 2 is characterized by the performance of a hull specific Ship Check, development of the Ship Installation Drawings (SIDs) for a specific CVN installation, and the purchase of the MD-5 subsystems, the VidMS, and the LOS/BLOS subsystems; this phase begins two years before the start of the CVN maintenance period. Phase 3 is characterized by the approval of the SIDs, development of installation schedules, completion of cybersecurity/logistics documentation, and the integration and testing of the MD-5 and associated subsystems; this phase begins approximately one year prior to the start of the CVN maintenance period. Phase 4 is characterized by the modification of the CVN infrastructure, installation of the MD-5 and associated subsystems, and completion of the system operational verification testing (SOVT); ); tasking is scheduled based on the number of ship change documents (SCDs) being installed and the length of the planned CVN Maintenance Availability period. When availability periods are only six months long, activities will begin at the start of the CVN maintenance period. Due to the size and complexity of the UMCS modifications, a minimum of two 6-month maintenance periods is required for a full installation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Source ID
- 3279_0605414N_5_1319_PB_2021
Related Documents
- Root: Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA)
- Child Accomplishment: Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Mission Control System
- Child Cost Item: 6664b65f656beacc7cfe2969ed2a04f3
- Child Cost Item: bd5056c3a51ea507637940b61c80b58e
- Child Cost Item: b95678b584baebeab0624f1d02e97db6
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