RQ-4 Block 40

Abstract

The RQ-4 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) 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 validated requirements for Block 40 aircraft, including further development, integration and test of the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) sensor capabilities. The Block 40 program provides critical Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) data to the warfighter. This funding also supports continued aircraft/communications systems modernization to include Mode 5/ADS-B, mission planning upgrade development and testing, program protection projects, enhanced weather capability, radar maritime modes, development and testing of ice protection system, and reliability and maintainability improvements. Funding continues RQ-4 unique development and integration of upgraded capabilities. In FY15 and beyond, the RQ-4 Block 40 project 675146 includes the delta costs only for the development of above common capabilities funded with the RQ-4 Block 30 project, 675145. The RQ-4 Block 30 project, 675145, contains the budget necessary for systems engineering/program management, sofware integration, test and evaluation, 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 further explore the utility of incorporating the emerging architectural standards such as the USAF Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Command and Control Initiative (UCI) or the DoD's Unmanned Control Segment standards (UCS). The RQ-4 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, 2016
Source ID
675146_0305220F_7_3600_PB_2016

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

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