MQ-9 Upgrade

Abstract

In FY17, the MQ-9 Upgrade Program was a new start. The MQ-9 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. Candidate Release 3 and 4 upgrades include, but are not limited to, implementing an Autonomous Systems upgrade, upgrading the data links to use the new Bandwidth Efficient Common Data Link (BE-CDL), enhancing Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and AGM-114 HELLFIRE targeting and employment, integration of new weapons such as Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-54, and Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) implementing the results of the Technology Insertion program, and software updates needed to support new configurations and development. Development efforts will address reliability, maintainability, sustainability, and safety issues. Activities also include trade studies, analyses, preliminary systems engineering, system and subsystem level testing in accordance with DoD and military standards, and specification development in support of both current program planning and execution, and studies supporting analysis and investment in future MQ-9 program planning.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2018
• Source ID: 675249_0205219F_7_3600_PB_2018

Tags

Readers

• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
• Software Engineering
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy