MAGIC

Abstract

The Medium Altitude Global ISR and Communications (MAGIC) project was an Air Force led technology and concept development to demonstrate the ability for a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to stay airborne in the medium altitude structure for a multiple day duration mission with a minimum of 1,000 pounds payload capacity of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensor systems. The MAGIC concept was initiated by OSD/DDR&E in FY 2010 in response to the Combatant Commanders ranking this type of initiative as the highest priority for a Joint Concept and Technology Demonstration (JCTD). In FY 2011, the Air Force accepted this initiative as the sponsor and MAGIC was subsequently removed from consideration as a JCTD and transitioned into the Air Force as a developmental project. The MAGIC project was intended to provide the USAF with data regarding sensor and aircraft performance parameters at a multiple day duration at medium altitude flight. The objectives laid out in the JCTD competition and selection of Aurora Flight Sciences' Orion RPA for the long endurance demonstration was managed by the 645th Aeronautical Systems Group (AESG). In FY 2010, OSD/DDR&E (now ASD/R&E) provided $5M of initial funding to AFRL to initiate the MAGIC project. In FY 2011, ASD/R&E provided an additional $5M to keep the MAGIC project development moving forward. The Air Force provided $10M of FY 2011. Congressional Adds of $19M in FY 2012, $50M in FY 2013 and $20M in FY 2015, provided the program manager with the funding for the continuation of the Orion RPA development and initiation of the three phase flight testing series. Congressional adds of $5M in FY 2016, $50M in FY 2017 and $40M in FY 2018, continues the Orion Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) spiral development of a long endurance UAS that meets airworthiness and cybersecurity requirements, and provides a minimum interoperability and mission capability. Orion RPA flight test series and demonstrations were accomplished at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, CA between August 2013 and March 2015. The objectives to test/demonstrate basic air vehicle performance, expansion of the flight characteristic envelope and a multiple day sortie and integration of a nominal sensor payload, were successfully accomplished on the prototype (Block 0) Orion RPA in a controlled environment, non-representative of an operational setting. Subsequent development efforts concentrated on the validation of the Orion RPA system requirements and concept design/specifications for a follow-on air vehicle (Block 1) capable of operational deployment in the event that the Air Force chooses the Orion RPA as a quick reaction capable system for a theater of operation or a program of record. Currently, there is no validated requirement for the Orion RPA. A Congressional Add of $15M in FY 2019 completed flight software development, air vehicle system and ground test and begins performance characterization flight test. A Congressional Add of $15M in FY 2020 will continue performance characterization flight test and begin manufacturing of Air Vehicle 02. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver Orion RPA capabilities. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F. 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, 2021
• Source ID: 67A026_0305205F_7_3600_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy
• Autonomy - UAVs
• Cyber