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; electronic warfare – radio frequency countermeasures (RFCM); 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 (ESA); near-real-time intelligence to include data fusion, threat detection and avoidance; 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. • ESA for MC-130H: Provides for near-real-time intelligence reporting to include data fusion, threat detection, identification, and avoidance. • EW – Radio Frequency (RF) Countermeasures: Supports development, integration and test activities to provide EW capability against RF threats for SOF AC/MC-130J aircraft. The RF countermeasures program provides SOF-unique aircraft defensive capabilities required for Special Operations Forces missions. This program is a new start in FY 2014. • 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, AC-130W and AC-130U recapitalization, as well as current SOF C-130s other SOF platforms. Missions for the AC-130 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. • PSP Large Caliber Gun: Supports systems engineering, analysis, development, integration, and test of a large caliber gun capability enhancement to the PSP installed on the MC-130J aircraft. This program is a new start in FY 2014. • C-130 Terrain Following Radar System: Supports development, integration and test of a TF/TA radar and on-board processor to provide a multi-mode terrain following capability on MC-130J aircraft. • SOF Common Terrain Following/Terrain Avoidance (TF/TA) (Silent Knight) Radar: Supports Engineering and Manufacturing Development, and developmental, qualification, and operational flight testing of a SOF common 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, MC-130 Combat Talon and CV-22 Tilt-Rotor aircraft.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2014
• Source ID: SF100_1160403BB_7_0400_PB_2014

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering

Technology Areas

• Microelectronics