Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (PE 0305204N) program is a Navy research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing the capabilities of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for tactical operations. The primary goal of this program element is to support the development and integration of software and control systems that enable the effective deployment of the MQ-8 Fire Scout Unmanned Air System. The program aims to enhance the Navy's ability to conduct intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), target acquisition, and mine detection missions using unmanned platforms.

A key component within this program is the Tactical Control System (TCS), which provides the software backbone for the MQ-8 Fire Scout System. The TCS is designed to ensure interoperability and commonality across command and control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) interfaces for Navy UAS. By utilizing NATO Standardization Agreements (STANAG)-4586 architecture and operating on Mission Control System (MCS) hardware, TCS enables secure and reliable communication across tactical data links. Its objectives include providing scalable control from passive data receipt to full command and control of both air vehicles and payloads.

In FY 2024, the TCS program focused on software development and integration, with Raytheon serving as the primary contractor for these efforts. The program supported enhancements to TCS software to accommodate new payloads, multi-vehicle control, and compliance with evolving NATO and Department of Defense standards. These upgrades were intended to maintain system growth potential, minimize hardware dependence, and support the Navy's migration toward a Common Control System (CCS) architecture for future UAS requirements. The TCS software toolkit is government-owned and non-proprietary, facilitating low-cost integration for other UAS developers.

The TCS Development and Integration line item in FY 2024 included activities such as software updates, engineering and manufacturing development for mine countermeasures, payload obsolescence, optical sensor systems, and datalink networks. These efforts were aimed at ensuring the MQ-8 Fire Scout could meet validated requirements from the Joint Requirements Oversight Council and respond to emergent operational needs. The program also supported test and evaluation of specialty payloads, contributing to the mission readiness and capability of the system.

Another significant objective was to provide Technical and Engineering Services to support both contractor and government engineering efforts. These services included program management, engineering support, and travel necessary for the execution of development tasks. The program emphasized maximizing the use of off-the-shelf hardware and software, incorporating enhancements as needed to maintain flexibility and interoperability with other Navy and joint systems.

Due to a Navy decision to divest the MQ-8C Fire Scout Uncrewed Aircraft System at the conclusion of FY 2024, no funding is requested for FY 2025 or FY 2026 for this program element. The operational employment of the MQ-8C will end in Q4 FY2024, with complete sundown of the system by Q4 FY2026. This decision was coordinated among Commander Naval Air Forces, Commander Naval Surface Forces, Naval Air Systems Command, and Naval Sea Systems Command. As a result, planned activities for future years have been discontinued, and the program's focus in FY 2024 was on finalizing software updates and completing necessary engineering development.