SO Aviation Systems Advanced Development

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: SOF specific avionics; low probability of intercept/low probability of detection (LPI/LPD), terrain following/terrain avoidance (TF/TA) radar; Precision Strike Package (PSP) for MC-130W Multi-Mission Modification, AC-130H replacement aircraft, and other SOF 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; and aerial refueling. • SOF C-130 Avionics Modifications. Provides for development necessary to maintain current SOF-unique capabilities for SOF C-130 aircraft. Includes the fit/function/interface replacement of the mission computers on the MC-130H and AC-130U aircraft due to obsolescence issues with the current AP-102 mission computer. • 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. • PSP MC-130W Multi-Mission Modification. 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 was fielded and funded under a Combat Mission Needs Statement. The MC-130W will return to its primary mobility role once PSP is fielded on the new AC-130H aircraft. • PSP for SOF. Supports systems engineering, analysis, development, and enhancement of the baseline PSP for later integration and installation onto host MC-130J aircraft provided by the U.S. Air Force for the AC-130H replacement aircraft, as well as other SOF platforms. Missions for the AC-130H 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. • C-130 Terrain Following Radar System. 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-130J, MC-130W, and MC-130H platforms. • 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. • SOF Common terrain following/terrain avoidance (TF/TA) (Silent Knight) Radar. Continues system design and development of a SOF common low probability of intercept/low probability of detection (LPI/LPD) radar to defeat advanced passive detection threats 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.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
• Source ID: SF100_1160403BB_7_0400_PB_2012

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering

Technology Areas

• Microelectronics