RQ-4 UAV

The PE 0305220F: RQ-4 UA V program is a Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) line item within the Air Force budget, specifically focused on the operational systems development of the RQ-4B Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The primary goal of this program is to sustain and enhance the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of the RQ-4 Block 40 fleet until its planned divestment. The Global Hawk provides high-altitude, long-endurance ISR using advanced sensors such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI), and Maritime Mode Target Indicator (MMTI), supporting operations in all weather conditions, day or night.

RQ-4 capability enhancements are the central focus under this program element, with objectives centered on maintaining and maximizing the operational value of the Block 40 aircraft. Goals include reliability and maintainability improvements, ongoing airframe updates, and mission-critical repairs to Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). The program also prioritizes cybersecurity and information assurance to ensure compliance with Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) requirements, enabling secure operations in contested environments. These enhancements are designed to keep the RQ-4 platform interoperable with other systems and platforms, including other remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) and Processing, Exploitation & Dissemination (PED) elements.

RQ-4 infrastructure funding supports system engineering, program management, and logistics for all RQ-4 projects. This includes safety of flight-related Operational Flight Program (OFP) updates and releases, as well as Other Government Costs (OGC). The program continues to support engineering efforts necessary for sustaining RQ-4 operations. As the system approaches divestment, funding transitions to Operations & Maintenance (O&M), reflecting a shift from development to sustainment. The decrease in funding is attributed to this transition.

The program also encompasses activities such as configuration and data management, test and evaluation, deficiency report investigations, and studies and analysis to support both system maintenance and divestment planning. Ensuring authority to operate and enhancing multi-domain contested environment operations are additional objectives. The networking capability for intelligence dissemination is a key component, facilitating data transport between the RQ-4 weapons system, operations centers, and external intelligence community customers.

The acquisition strategy for the RQ-4 program centers on supporting the existing Block 40 fleet through sustainment and support services provided primarily by Northrop Grumman Corporation, the prime contractor. The program utilizes Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts for activities such as sustainment, retrofit, fielding, and contract closeout. The Ground Segment Modernization Program (GSMP), which previously modernized ground control infrastructure, was terminated in September 2022. Current efforts focus on maintaining existing capabilities.

Civilian pay expenses are included in this program element to cover the necessary workforce required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The program may also address emergent or unanticipated product support costs and civilian pay needs, ensuring flexibility in managing the RQ-4 fleet through its final operational years.