Gorgon Stare
Abstract
The Gorgon Stare system is a podded airborne sensor suite that provides city-sized wide area airborne surveillance and is integrated on specially-modified MQ-9 Reaper RPA. The Air Force Requirements Oversight Council (AFROC) approved Air Combat Command's recommendation to transition Gorgon Stare from a Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) to an Air Force Enduring Capability in November 2014. Gorgon Stare's requirements are documented in the Gorgon Stare Wide Area Airborne Sensor Capabilities Production Document (draft). The acquisition strategy for this Air Force podded sensor suite solution is sustainment of the currently fielded capabilities with any upgrades implemented via validated -1067s or Urgent Operational Needs. Development efforts conducted with FY 2015 Congressionally-added funds included efforts focused primarily on the development of a Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) capability in support of an Urgent Operational Need. Development efforts conducted with FY 2016 Congressionally-added RDT&E funds included further development and system integration lab testing of Near Vertical Direction Finding (NVDF) with Gorgon Stare Increment 2 Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) sensors. Funds spent on NVDF will provide a ramp for future airborne integration efforts as required. Development efforts conducted with FY 2017 Congressionally-added funds further progressed efforts associated with BLOS, to include first article testing for phase 1 and a limited BLOS capability delivered to the field in FY2019. Development efforts conducted with FY 2018 Congressional added funds included further development of the next phase of BLOS to enable freedom of maneuverability and development of system imagery improvements. Development efforts conducted with FY 2019 Congressionally added funds included completion of BLOS Phase II system design and aircraft certification to enable full freedom on maneuverability, completing imagery improvements and continuation of data automation through Area of Interest (AOI) tagging and tracking efforts. Development efforts to be conducted with FY2020 Congressionally added funds include but are not limited to continuation of tagging and tracking efforts, development of an electro-optical (EO)/infrared (IR) fusion capability, and development of tip and cue airborne cueing. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution as well as future program planning. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver Gorgon Stare capabilities. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Source ID
- 675291_0305206F_7_3600_PB_2021
Related Documents
- Root: Airborne Reconnaissance Systems
- Child Cost Item: 0dac6307e5a44173ac29f466fb41dbef
- Child Cost Item: 5cee1340a3525d81953b1a3ca8115445