Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance

The Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance program, part of the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation efforts, focuses on developing common technical and interoperability standards for unmanned systems. This initiative supports the integration and interoperability of Unmanned Systems (UxS) as outlined in the Naval Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and aligns with the Navy's Unmanned Campaign Framework. The program evaluates integrated technologies and prototype systems in realistic operating environments to ensure effective communication and networking capabilities across current and future unmanned platforms.

A key component of this program is the UxS Common Standards, Interoperability, and Integration project. This project is dedicated to establishing a unified architecture for unmanned systems, which includes command and control elements essential for future CONOPS development. By leveraging input from fleet operations and future operational plans, the project ensures that desired interoperability and integration are achieved throughout the battlespace. It also serves as a platform for addressing commonality and interoperability opportunities within the Department of the Navy (DoN) and other services.

The program's objectives include conducting studies and demonstrations to support CONOPS development from an interoperability perspective. This involves creating a UAS architecture environment that facilitates effective modeling and simulation of common UAS components within representative battlespace architectures. Additionally, it focuses on developing Naval Interoperability Profiles to achieve required unmanned capabilities across the Naval UAS Family of Systems (FoS), supporting standardization efforts within DoN, Joint Services, and NATO coalitions.

The Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance program emphasizes collaboration across various agencies to develop interoperable standards that enhance unmanned system capabilities. By providing government engineering support and leveraging existing resources, the program aims to advance technical standards that ensure seamless integration of manned and unmanned systems in complex operational environments.