Precision Aerial Delivery Systems (PADS)

Abstract

Mission planning involves the creation of a flight plan based on multiple inputs including threats, targets, terrain, weather, aircraft performance capability and configuration. It is an essential task that must be completed prior to any fixed or rotary wing aircraft sortie. The planner must have the ability to plan weapon, cargo, passenger, and/or fuel delivery, calculate fuel requirement and assess the route based on known enemy threat location and type. Mission planners must be able to optimize and de-conflict flight routes with other aircraft; review, print and brief the plan; download pertinent flight information to on-board aircraft avionics; and, conduct dynamic/in-flight replanning as applicable . This project continues the development of a Joint Precision Airdrop System-Mission Planner (JPADS-MP) in conjunction with the Army. The JPADS System of Systems (SoS) capability provides a planning and execution capability for DoD airdrop requirements. It is the primary airdrop mission planning and execution system for all ballistic airdrop mission as well as precision guided airdrops that are required when the mission profile or surface-to-air threat assessment warrants a high-altitude and/or standoff precision delivery. JPADS enables high-altitude, precise airdrop delivery to forward ground forces, mitigating surface-to-air threats, reducing risk of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) & insurgent attack on ground convoys. JPADS allows the warfighter to consider weather, terrain, aircraft capabilities, threat, etc. to accurately deliver payloads to keep the warfighter supplied and in the fight. Some key requirements on the horizon for the Consolidated Airdrop Tool (CAT) include refactoring WindPADS (Weather component of CAT), Combination Airdrop, Local Analysis and Prediction System (LAPS) replacement, Ensemble Weather prediction, and Obstruction Data. CAT will also be integrating multiple S&T efforts developed and prototyped by Natick Soldier Center including Airdrop Damage Estimate and updates to Precision Aerial Guidance Units. The JPADS-MP will also transition various AFRL Flagship Capability Concept (FCC) efforts to include improvements to Airdrop Performance Modeling, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) and updates to Human Effectiveness of the software. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution and future program planning. Development and modernization efforts are as follows: a. MAF MPE Modernization - modifies the common MAF Mission Planning Environment (MPE) developed and deployed during previous mission planning increments. The modernization activities will provide new and improved mission planning capabilities for the MAF fleet as required to meet evolving Operational Flight Program (OFP), fuel efficiency and Global Planning netcentric requirements such as avionics upgrades, communication systems, interfaces with command and control systems, new chutes, etc. for various MAF platforms. The MPE updates under the MAF Modernization effort in Fiscal Years 2011 through 2017 include but are not limited to those for C-5, C-17, C-27, C-130s (multiple varients), E-3, E-8, E-4, HH-60, KC-10, KC-46, KC-135 and RC-135. MAF modernization will address required improvements to MAF related MPE Common Components (CCs), including the Communications, Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) CC, Consolidated Airdrop Tool (CAT), Aeronautical Advisory, and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) Tool (AANT), and Air Refueling Tool (ART) CC. This effort also provides the capability to use the new Digital Aeronautical Information File (DAFIF) web services-based data structure (GNS-A) being produced by NGA in this timeframe. b. Joint Precision Airdrop System – Mission Planner (JPADS-MP) - continues development of software and hardware required to provide a precision airdrop capability for AF and other services (e.g the Army, etc). c. Test, Training and Certification - continues all MPS-related integration, test, and certification activities for all CAF and MAF platforms. d. Operational and Technical Support - continues all program office management operations and support activities to ensure the timely delivery of mission planning systems to the warfighter. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2013
• Source ID: 675302_0208006F_7_3600_PB_2013

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control