MQ-9 Upgrade

Abstract

The MQ-9 Upgrade Program develops and integrates improvements for existing systems and fields new capabilities for the MQ-9 fleet through an Agile Acquisition Strategy to meet evolving mission needs. The objective is to enable rapid fielding of new software, hardware, and sustainability for integration into the MQ-9 fleet. Per the Candidate Capability List (CCL) signed on 01 November 2019, capabilities may include, but are not limited to, efforts to reduce system configurations; mitigate Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) through planned tech upgrades; enable airspace integration; increase weather tolerance; train like we fight; enable airborne situational awareness; enable ops in a contested environment; build open architecture, reduce logistics footprint; improve cybersecurity resilience, improve reliability and maintainability, increase lethality, improve human machine interface to enhance user experience; and improve readiness to prepare for tomorrow's war. Activities also include studies, analysis, simulations, demonstration, prototyping, and testing, use of subject matter experts and agencies in developing and testing MQ-9 system capabilities, to include System Integration Laboratory (SIL)/ Hardware in the Loop Laboratory (HILL) and Detachment 3(Det 3) improvements. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver MQ-9 weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F.. Funding may be used to address Diminishing Manufacturing Source (DMS) and Non-Recurring Engineering issues. MQ-9 Program of Record (PoR) and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) will cost share development, where appropriate, on joint efforts that are required by both programs to support the new capabilities.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2021
Source ID
675249_0205219F_7_3600_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

  • Cyber
  • Space

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