MQ-9 Upgrade

Abstract

The MQ-9 Reaper Upgrade Program will develop improvements for existing systems and field new capabilities for the MQ-9 fleet through a Hybrid Acquisition Strategy. The objective is to enable fielding of new hardware and/or software for integration into the MQ-9 fleet on an 18-month schedule. The first two releases are under the auspices of the baseline MQ-9 Development and Fielding program. Release 3 and 4 upgrades include, but are not limited to, repositioning Airhandler equipment from the payload tray into "cheeks" on the MQ-9 aircraft fuselage, implementing VORTEX Phase II, replacing the GPS with a differential GPS, implementing an Autonomous Systems upgrade, upgrading the data links to use the new Bandwidth Efficient Common Data Link (BE-CDL), enhancing the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) targeting capability, the Universal Armament and Sensor Interface and Miniature/Store Interface, implementing the results of the Technology Insertion program, Beyond Line of Sight (BLoS), Barrett Asymmetric Digital Datalink Computer (BADDC), Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-54, and fielding of the hardware and software required to separate the payload software from the operational flight program (OFP) software to enable fielding of new sensors, weapons, and payloads without requiring changes in the OFP.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2017
Source ID
675249_0205219F_7_3600_PB_2017

Tags

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites

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