RQ-4 Block 40

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 40 aircraft, including integration and test of the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) sensor. Associated Block 40 airworthiness certifications are included in this effort. The Block 40 program provides critical Synthetic Aperture Radar and Ground Moving Target Indicator data to the warfighter. This funding also supports continued aircraft/communications systems modernization to include Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5, Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADSB), mission planning upgrade development and testing, program protection projects, adverse weather capability, and reliability and maintainability improvements. Funding continues MP-RTIP sensor integration and integration of upgraded radar SW and capabilities deferred to post Block 40 IOT&E. In FY15 and beyond, the RQ-4 Block 40 project 675146 includes the delta costs only for the development of above capabilities with the RQ-4 Block 30 project, 675145. The RQ-4 Block 30 project, 675145, also contains the budget necessary for enterprise management, test and evaluation, management services and fielding support for the fleet. 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). The Global Hawk program will maintain capability and interoperability for Block 40 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 also include studies and analysis supporting future system enhancements, current and future program planning, and project execution.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2015
Source ID
675146_0305220F_7_3600_PB_2015

Tags

Readers

  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • 5G
  • 5G - DoD 5G Program
  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs
  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
  • Space

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