MCTUAS

Abstract

This Marine Corps Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (MCTUAS) project supports the fielded RQ-7B Shadow Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system by conducting research, development, test, and evaluation for improvement of the RQ-7 UAV capabilities in Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition, Intelligence, Battle Damage Assessment, Laser Designation and Force Protection. The RQ-7B Shadow UAV system provides critical battlefield intelligence and targeting information in the rapid cycle time required for success at the tactical level. RQ-7B Shadow UAV systems are acquired through the Army's Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Program Office to fulfill Marine Corps UAS requirements. In order to optimize interoperability, maintenance, and capability with minimal cost, the Marine Corps and Army plan to develop additional capabilities for the common RQ-7 system. These funds represent the Marine Corps share of the combined development cost and the RQ-7 specific efforts of the NAVAIR 5.1 UAV Test Squadron. Funds will provide for the integration of an in-production weapon on the RQ-7B Shadow UAV in response to an Urgent Universal Needs Statement that was initiated by operational units in the Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan theater of operations. This covers all analysis and integration of the weapon to include the development of/modification to a Stores Management System and its integration onto the RQ-7B Shadow UAV. The integration/development effort is anticipated to be between 12 and 18 months in length leading to a Field User Assessment.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2014
• Source ID: 9C84_0305233N_7_1319_PB_2014

Tags

Readers

• Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy
• Autonomy - UAVs
• Directed Energy