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-25A. The UMCS program includes what was previously identified as the Control System & Connectivity (CS&C) and Carrier Vessel, Nuclear (CVN) Integration (CVNI) Segments previously captured under the MQ-25 Development PU 3278. The Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Mission Control System (UMCS) program, PU 3279, is the system-of-systems required for MQ-25 vehicle and payload control both shipboard and shore based. UMCS consists of all ground and ship based hardware, software, and networks associated with the planning and execution of flight operations and tactical missions. In addition to Ground Control Station (GCS), consisting of Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) workstations and servers, the UMCS program builds hardware to support line of sight (LOS) communications, beyond line of sight (BLOS) satellite communications (SATCOM), and integration with ship/shore based systems. There are three variants of the GCS: MD-5C (CVN-based), MD-5D (Shore-based) and MD-5E (Embarkable system) for use on CVNs that do not yet have permanent GCS systems installed. UMCS leverages existing Programs of Record (PoR) for network integration and LOS/BLOS communications and builds MQ-25 unique systems (e.g. an ARC-210 based LOS communication system and a Video Management System (VidMS) for AVO situational awareness). The GCS streamlines software development, supports multiple classification levels, and positions MQ-25A interoperability with other DoD systems. Hardware development and fabrication is one facet of the program. UMCS develops and integrates software and modifies several aircraft carrier spaces to install and integrate the GCS and communication systems, in support of MQ-25A test events and operations aboard select NIMITZ Class CVNs. The UMCS program modifies and integrates with existing, external Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems to provide network paths for AV and mission payload data using a variety of wideband and narrowband communication paths. UMCS accomplishes this by integrating the GCS and the MQ-25A AV with multiple networks and systems both at sea and on shore. UMCS builds the following hardware: MQ-25A GCS, Video Management System (VidMS), ARC-210 Radio Communication System (RCS), and Ashore Routing Communication System (ARCS). The GCS consists of the following components: air vehicle operator (AVO) workstations, server racks, network interface racks, integrated communication system (ICS), Data Transfer System (DTS), and software. The ship variant (MD-5C) will leverage the shore based system components but will have manufacturing differences to account for the harsher CVN environment. The VidMS provides situational awareness displays of the CVN environment. The ARC-210 and Digital Modular Radio (DMR) systems provide narrowband command and control (C2) communications between the GCS and the MQ-25A. An ICS 1/2 rack integrates the GCS with existing carrier communication systems. The ARCS provides an interface between the shore GCS sites and the Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) networks enabling wide-band LOS and BLOS communications with the MQ-25A. UMCS also leverages NAVWAR baseline systems on board the CVNs and at the MQ-25A shore sites. UMCS leads development, modification, engineering, and integration activities, to facilitate seamless voice, data, and C2 exchanges with the MQ-25A AV, local networks, voice networks, C2 networks, tactical networks, intelligence systems, and launch and recovery systems by collaborating with existing NAVWAR, NAVAIR and NAVSEA Programs of Record (PoRs). CVN modification and installation is governed by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Navy Modernization Process (NMP). This process defines the schedule for submitting documentation, drawings, and hardware to support CVN modifications. UMCS modifications must occur during pre-planned maintenance periods that are updated at least twice per year. Changes to these maintenance periods drive changes to the UMCS installation schedule. The NMP consists of multiple phases. Phase 1, approximately three years before the availability period, consists of developing the system design, technical data, installation guidance, and Ship Change Documents (SCDs). Phase 2, approximately two years before the maintenance period, consists of hull specific ship checks, drawing development and hardware procurement. Phase 3, one year before the maintenance period, consists of drawing approval, install schedule development, completion of cybersecurity and logistics documentation, and GCS integration testing. Phase 4 occurs during the maintenance period and consists of CVN infrastructure modification, hardware installation, and completion of ship-board integrated verification testing. CVN modifications and installations are based on the number of SCDs and the length of the planned 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, 2023
• Source ID: 3279_0605414N_5_1319_PB_2023

Tags

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy
• Cyber
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space