DarkStar - High Altitude Endurance UAV. Presented at Unmanned Vehicles 97 Conference & Exhibition, Paris, France, 12-12 June 1997.
Abstract
This paper describes the U.S. program to develop, test, and demonstrate the Tier 3-, DarkStar, High Altitude Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (HAE UAV). DarkStar is designed to provide continuous, timely, high resolution imagery products to the Warfighter. DarkStar is uniquely capable of extended surveillance over heavily defended territory. DarkStar is part of the HAE UAV program which also includes the Global Hawk UAV and a common ground segment which is interoperable with both UAVs. It is the combination of DarkStar, Global Hawk and other intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets which will provide U.S. forces with the information dominance, central to future warfighting plans. DARPA is executing the program under Section 845 contracting authority. Air vehicle #1 completed one successful flight and had an accident on the takeoff of flight #2. The accident causes are now well understood. Subsystems and test procedure modifications are being implemented on air vehicle #2. Planning for the programs demonstration phase, FY99-00, is well underway. The United States Atlantic Command has been designated the lead CINC for the system's military evaluation. Specific demonstration exercises are being Identified and specific data collection requirements are being developed. The entire DarkStar team is confident that it will demonstrate the performance characteristics which make this a unique and valuable system for protecting and preserving the nation's interests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA354166
Entities
People
- Harry A. Berman
Organizations
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency