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 draft Capabilities Development Document (CDD). 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, Urgent Operational Needs, or requirements as documented in the program CDD. 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 FY 2019. 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 (anticipate fielding in FY22), completing Phase I of imagery improvements and continuation of data automation through Area of Interest (AOI) tagging and tracking efforts. Development efforts conducted with FY2020 Congressionally added funds included the continuation of the following capabilities: Tagging and Tracking Full Field of View (FFoV), Electro-optical (EO)/Infrared (IR) Co-Collect, Airborne Tip and Cue, and Image Quality Enhancements Phase II. Development efforts to be conducted with FY 2021 Congressionally added funds include the continuation of EO/IR Co-Collect, FFoV tagging and tracking, and Airborne Tip and Cue Phase II capabilities. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution as well as future program planning. The acquisition program manager has the authority to redirect funding as necessary to meet Gorgon Stare current and emerging Combatant Commander requirements to better meet the war fighting objectives. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver Gorgon Stare weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F. In FY20 $0.000M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY21 $0.000M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Source ID
- 675291_0305206F_7_3600_PB_2022
Related Documents
- Root: Airborne Reconnaissance Systems
- Child Cost Item: f96c6201b469c0dc9813de718b1eed91
- Child Cost Item: 042962ace0a4cc3831602512b997ff1b