Sensor Development
Abstract
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) established the Senior Year Program in 1955. The program has evolved significantly over the years to include the U-2 airframe, engines, sensors, cameras, recorders, data links, life support systems, test facilities and equipment. The U-2S model airframes were constructed in the late 1980s, with the last aircraft rolling off the assembly line in 1989. The U-2S provides global reconnaissance signals intelligence (SIGINT) and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) 24 hours a day, seven days a week in support of national and DoD worldwide missions. The U-2 is currently deployed to forward operating locations (FOL) around the world. Modifications to the aircraft and payloads are required to ensure continued operational effectiveness in support of Combatant Commander Requirements and in accordance with previous NDAA guidance. In the 2013 PB, the Air Force decided to retain the U-2 weapon system instead of retiring it. At that time sustainment efforts and capability upgrades to the platform and payloads were pursued to support National and Combatant Commander requirements. In the 2015 PB, the Air Force decided to retire the U-2 in 2016. In accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2244a, the U-2 weapon system is identified as Equipment Scheduled For Retirement Or Disposal: Limitation On Expenditures For Modifications, stating that modification to any aircraft (i.e., a given tail number, weapon, or item of equipment that the SECAF plans to retire or otherwise dispose of within 5 years after the date on which the modification would be completed) are prohibited. In the 2016 PB, the Air Force re-phases U-2 divestiture to begin in FY2019 and to complete no later than FY2020. In accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2244a, the Secretary of the Air Force may waive the prohibition on modifications if the Secretary determines that carrying out the modification is in the national security interest of the United States. Therefore, modifications required to address sustainment issues (diminishing manufacturing sources, vanishing vendor items) or operational utility may be submitted to the Secretary for approval to ensure operational effectiveness and to comply with guidance received in previous and current NDAAs for the timeframe of phased divestiture. The National Security Waiver was signed by the Secretary of the Air Force on 26 May 2015. In the 2017 PB, the Air Force continued addressing reliability, maintainability, sustainability, and safety issues and support U-2 integration of payloads and capabilities by taking prudent acquisition actions to meet operational requirements, comply with previous NDAA guidance, and IAW 10 U.S.C. Prudent acquisition activities also include trade studies, analyses, preliminary systems engineering, system and subsystem level testing in accordance with DoD and military standards, and specification development in support of both current program planning and execution as well as studies supporting analysis and investment in future U-2 program planning. In the 2018 and 2019 PB, the Air Force decided to retain the U-2, funding investment and manpower in base, and the majority of operations and sustainment in OCO. The Air Force will continue to address reliability, maintainability, sustainability, and safety issues and support U-2 integration of payloads and capabilities by taking prudent acquisition actions to meet operational and safety of flight requirements. These acquisition efforts will include trade studies, analyses, preliminary systems engineering, system and subsystem level testing in accordance with DoD and military standards, and specification development in support of both current program planning and execution as well as studies supporting analysis and investment in future U-2 program planning. The U-2 Program provides funding for an Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System (ASARS) acquisition effort. This effort will design, fabricate, integrate, and demonstrate system capability enhancements for a high altitude deep look SAR system. This mitigates a Diminishing Manufacturing Supply and Material Shortages (DMSMS) issue with the current U-2 SAR sensor. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- 674820_0305202F_7_3600_PB_2019
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