Congressional Adds
Abstract
The MQ-8 Unmanned Air System is a Joint Military Intelligence Program. The MQ-8 Unmanned Air System (Fire Scout) program achieved MS C in June 2017. MQ-8C Unmanned Air System declared Initial Operational Capability in June 2019. The program includes MQ-8B air vehicles, MQ-8C air vehicles, and associated Mission Control Systems (MCS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Common Automatic Recovery Systems (UCARS) and support equipment. In addition to the air vehicles, Radar capabilities were developed under the Navy's Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC) authorities. The MQ-8 System provides real-time and non-real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) data to tactical users without the use of manned aircraft or reliance on limited joint theater or national assets. The program relies heavily on data transfer within a denied environment, as well as with the interoperability achieved through the use of the Tactical Control System (TCS) software in the MCS, also referred to as a Ground Control Station (GCS), and through the use of the Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL). The data from the MQ-8 is provided through standard DoD Command, Control, Communications, Computers and ISR (C4ISR) system architectures and protocols. Cybersecurity is a mandatory requirement for C4ISR systems, and a data bus provides a medium for data and information exchange between all electronic systems within a weapon system - analogous to a Local Area Network (LAN), but for on-board internal electronic systems of a weapon system or platform.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Source ID
- 9999_0305231N_7_1319_PB_2023
Related Documents
- Root: MQ-8 UAV
- Child Cost Item: 7bf31b8e1ce93634c0b5089bcb436e72