Gorgon Stare

Abstract

The Gorgon Stare system is a podded airborne sensor suite that provides city-sized wide area airborne surveillance and was integrated on MQ-9 Reapers. 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 current capability with any upgrades implemented via validated -1067s, Urgent Operational Needs, or requirements as documented in the program CDD. 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 in FY 2021 used Congressionally-added funds to include the continuation of, MQ-9 Blk 5 Integration, FFoV tagging and tracking, and Airborne Tip and Cue Phase II capabilities. FY 2021 activities also included studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution as well as future program planning. Development efforts in FY 2022 include completing fielding of the "Theia" BLOS capability, continuing the EO/IR Co-Collect Phase III, Airborne Tip and Cue, FFoV tagging and tracking, Image Quality Enhancements Phase III efforts, and MQ-9 Block 5 Integration. 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 emergent or unanticipated civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver Gorgon Stare for emergent or unanticipated weapon system capability. 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, 2023
• Source ID: 675291_0305206F_7_3600_PB_2023

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.