RQ-4 Grnd Segment/Comm System
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 the weapon system's ground elements and communications capabilities to enhance functionality and maintain interoperability, as well as support for demonstration and technology insertion. The ground segment currently includes the Mission Control Elements (MCE), the Launch and Recovery Elements (LRE), and the networking resources required to simultaneously disseminate intelligence information while remaining compliant with DoD cybersecurity network requirements to operate on the Global Information Grid. The RDT&E funding in this project also supports the Ground Segment Modernization Program (GSMP) and Communication System Modernization Program(CSMP) efforts, as well as next generation communications capabilities. GSMP resolves fleet grounding Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) and obsolescence issues associated with ground segment equipment and provides critical warfighter capabilities such as building-based multi-aircraft control. It will also enhance interoperability data dissemination as well as provide training capability. CSMP resolves critical DMS and obsolescence issues in the RQ-4 communication infrastructure and provides enhancements across the RQ-4 communication network. Both GSMP and CSMP will employ the USAF Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Command and Control Initiative (UCI), the DoD's Unmanned Control Segment standards (UCS), and Open Mission Systems (OMS) using a service-oriented, open architecture approach. Prior to GSMP/CSMP fielding, funding from this project supports modifications to the legacy system to support operations. This program will participate in the development, testing, and implementation of international standards to enhance joint, allied, and coalition interoperability. Likewise, studies and activities will be initiated to explore the utility of next-generation communications technologies, as well as emerging architectural standards such as UCI and UCS as well as technology insertion activities in support of Better Buying Power (BBP). The RQ-4 program will maintain and upgrade interoperability for Blocks 20/30/40 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. The networking capability for intelligence dissemination is required to provide the data transport interface between the Weapons System, Operations Centers, and external Intelligence Community customers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2017
- Source ID
- 675147_0305220F_7_3600_PB_2017
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