RQ-4 Block 30

Abstract

The Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) provides a high altitude, deep look, long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability that complements space and other airborne collectors during peacetime, crisis, and war-fighting scenarios. RDT&E funding in this project supports design, development, integration, and testing of items needed to meet Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) for Block 30 aircraft, including continuing aircraft system modernization for Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite (EISS) sensors and Block 30 Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload (ASIP) contractor support. This funding also supports aircraft systems modernization to include continuing aircraft operations surety for information assurance and mission critical repair of test Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). The Global Hawk program will maintain capability and interoperability for Block 30 including efforts with system of systems partners and continue to incorporate applicable synergies with other platforms, such as the U.S. Navy's Triton, other RPA weapon systems, and Processing, Exploitation & Dissemination (PED) elements. Activities include mission planning development and testing, adverse weather capability development and testing, airspace and interoperability updates, airframe and software upgrades and deficiency report resolution across Global Hawk fleet, ASIP and EISS sensor upgrades, integration activities associated with Next Generation Sensor capability including the comparison of how differences in flight performance would affect sensor performance, program protection projects, and studies and analysis supporting future system enhancements. When judged feasible and affordable, this program will participate in the development, testing, and implementation of international standards to enhance joint, allied, and coalition interoperability. Likewise, studies and activities may be initiated to explore the utility of incorporating the emerging architectural standards such as the USAF UAS Command and Control Initiative (UCI) or the DoD's Unmanned Control Segment standards (UCS).

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2015
• Source ID: 675145_0305220F_7_3600_PB_2015

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

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