1160403BB Special Operations Aviation Systems Advanced Development/Project SF100

Abstract

This project provides for the investigation, evaluation, demonstration, and integration of current and maturing technologies for Special Operations Forces (SOF)-unique aviation requirements. Timely application of SOF-unique technology is critical and necessary to meet requirements in such areas as: low probability of intercept/low probability of detection (LPI/LPD), terrain following/terrain avoidance (TF/TA) radar; Precision Strike Package MC-130W Multi-Mission Modification; AC-130H Recapitalization; and other SOF airborne platforms; digital terrain elevation data and electronic order of battle; digital maps; enhanced situational awareness; near-real-time intelligence to include data fusion, threat detection and avoidance; electronic support measures for threat geo-location and specific emitter identification; navigation, target detection and identification technologies; digital broadcast capability; aerial refueling and develop cable warning obstacle avoidance system. •SOF C-130 Avionics Modifications. Provides for development necessary to maintain current SOF-unique capabilities for SOF C-130 aircraft. Includes, but is not limited to, mission computers and display generators. •EC-130J Commando Solo Upgrades. Provides for integration of SOF-unique implementation of the C-130J block cycle upgrade as installed on the EC-130J Commando Solo aircraft and development of digital broadcast capabilities. •Aviation Engineering Analysis. Provides a rapid response capability to support SOF fixed wing aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems. The purpose is to correct system deficiencies, improve asset life, and enhance mission capability through the means of feasibility studies, analysis of alternatives, pre-developmental risk reduction studies, and engineering analyses. This sub-project provides the engineering required to improve the design and performance integrity of the aircraft support systems, sub-systems, equipment, and embedded computer software as they relate to the maintenance, overhaul, repair, quality assurance, modifications, materiel improvements, and service life extensions. Conducts risk reduction studies, analyses, and demonstrations to support emerging, time critical weapons and sensor enhancements. Note: A new Program Element 1160422BB and Project SF101 were created for Aviation Engineering Analysis in Budget Activity 3. The resources moved beginning in FY 2010. •Acquisition Development Support. This funding is required to support systems engineering, analysis, and integration. Primary use of funds is to examine commonality and interoperability across systems. Funding will be used in a multitude of avenues across systems to support cost-benefit analysis; provide additional test support; and further reduce cost, schedule, and technical risk. As required, funds will support manpower costs for experts needed to meet certification, safety, reliability, and other requirements required by Office of the Secretary of Defense, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, as well as commitments for joint programs. •Precision Strike Package (PSP) MC-130W Multi-Mission Modification. This program fulfills an urgent combat requirement to rapidly arm and field multi-mission precision strike platforms. Provides an armed over-watch capability including sensors, communication systems, precision guided munitions, and a single medium-caliber gun. An interim kit is being fielded and funded under a Combat Mission Needs Statement in FY 2009. The MC-130W will return to its primary mobility role once PSP is fielded on recapitalized AC-130H aircraft. • Precision Strike Package (PSP) for SOF Airborne Platforms. This funding is required to support systems engineering, analysis, and integration of the baseline PSP onto host MC-130J aircraft provided by the U.S. Air Force for AC-130H recapitalization as well as other SOF airborne platforms. Missions for the AC-130H recap aircraft include, but are not limited to, Close Air Support (CAS), Air Interdiction, Armed Reconnaissance, Escort, and Force Protection – Integrated Base Defense. PSP is modular, scalable, and platform neutral, and includes mission management, sensors, and weapons. •SOF Common TF/TA Radar. Continues system design and development of a SOF common LPI/LPD radar (Silent Knight Radar) to defeat advanced passive detection threat while maintaining ability to fly safe TF. This radar is targeted for use on all MH-47G Heavy Assault helicopters, MH-60M Blackhawk helicopters, MC-130H Combat Talon II and CV-22 Tilt-Rotor aircraft. •C-130 Terrain Following Radar System. This funding integrates a TF/TA radar with an on-board processor to provide a multi-mode terrain following capability. This system is targeted for the MC-130W, MC-130H and MC-130J platforms. •Cable Obstacle Avoidance System. Congressional add to develop a cable warning obstacle avoidance system. This system will allow aircraft to perform evasive actions, significantly increasing the aircrew’s probability of survival during a hostile fire engagement. The funding will be moved via DD 1415 reprogramming action to PE 1160482BB SOF Aviation.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: SF100_1160403BB_7_0400_PB_2011

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy
• Autonomy - UAVs
• Microelectronics