Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles is a joint military intelligence program that provides funding for software development capabilities associated with mission modules of the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The program supports the MQ-8 Fire Scout System and provides software for the joint tactical MQ-8 Fire Scout System, offering day/night aerial intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, voice, data and command and control communications/relay, and mine detection and localization capabilities. The program aims to enhance and update the Tactical Control System (TCS) to meet supported air vehicle enhancements, incorporate new technologies for improved system performance, and align with OSD direction for UAS control segments. TCS software is interoperable and compliant with various standards to support future UAS Mission Control System requirements.

The program's objectives include continuing TCS integration and testing with MQ-8 development, supporting requirements for land-based efforts and air-capable ships, ensuring STANAG 4586 compliance, integrating C4ISR interfaces for MQ-8 systems, maintaining hardware and operating system independence initiatives, updating radar and Minotaur systems, and developing TCS version 11 to integrate user interface enhancements, cyber security updates, and onboard operator proficiency training capability. Additionally, the program plans to increase government engineering support related to TCS rel 10.0 correction of deficiencies (COD) build and capability enhancements for rel 11.0. The program also focuses on providing technical and engineering services to support developmental testing of TCS software modifications for capability enhancements and corrections of deficiencies. Overall, the program aims to enhance the interoperability and commonality of Command and Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) interfaces of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) through TCS software development.