Press Release Number: ECL200302202
20-Feb-03
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY LOOKS FORWARD
NAVAIR China Lake Weapons Division
By Helen Huntley
Although NAVAIR China Lake Weapons Division has been involved in unmanned aerial vehicle and unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UAV/UCAV) technology for several years, the war in Afghanistan has focused more attention on this emerging technology.
UAV/UCAV Strategic Thrust Coordinator Andy Corzine stated, "People opened their eyes to the different possibilities when they saw the success in Afghanistan." Recently a workshop was held to discuss the possibilities of WD's technology contributions.
In his opening remarks at the workshop, former WD commander Rear Admiral Michael Bachmann said, "We have the people, facilities and expertise to make tremendous contributions in the area of UAV and UCAV operations in support of Sea Power 21."
Weapons Division expertise can play a key role in the UAV/UCAV programs by aligning itself with the vision of corporate focus groups. "Their vision is to become the Navy's UAV center of excellence," Corzine added. The organization is also aligning with OPNAV's naval UAV strategy which is summarized in three levels of capability - long endurance standoff intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability; penetrating surveillance, suppression of enemy air defenses and strike capability, including Navy UCAVs; and all tactical systems.
Affordability and survivability are two challenges facing UAV and UCAV technology. The military services are looking for cost-effective systems. "We want a capable system, but not at a cost where you can't afford to fly in the areas where you want to operate," he explained. "As we invest in more systems, we foresee the costs coming down," said Corzine.
Neil Decker, advanced projects coordinator for the survivability division, and Jim Young, manager of the UAV survivability enhancement program at NAVAIR Aircraft Division, are working to address susceptibility reduction such as signature reduction with low observability technology and vulnerability reduction. Decker said NAVAIR offers research, development, test and evaluation capabilities in the areas of radar cross-section and electro-optical infrared signature measurement, threat systems for survivability engagement testing, ground and airborne electronic warfare, live-fire vulnerability and lethality test facilities, survivability modeling and simulation and other aspects of survivability.
Currently, WD and the Army are working as a team to integrate low-cost guided imaging rocket (LOGIR) onto UAVs. According to Howard McCauley, LOGIR team lead, LOGIR is lighter weight, smaller and less expensive than existing weapons systems. "You can put more of them on a UAV," he stated. "We are working to provide precision capability for the existing rocket system. LOGIR provides for easier interface because it is image guided - 'launch and leave.' It provides a true point and shoot capability, which makes it much more survivable."
Recent testing at WD has involved Pegasus, Predator and Fire Scout. Claudia Theis, head of air test and evaluation section of the land range test management branch, said Pegasus has completed low-speed taxi tests and four of eight high-speed taxi profiles. First flight is anticipated in mid-spring. The work is being done under a commercial services agreement. The program is funded by Northrop Grumman with guidelines, requirements and an additional $5 million from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Martin Montemayor, test manager, said a Fire Scout prototype was tested at China Lake last year. Three flight envelope expansion tests were flown. Testing will be completed at NAVAIR Patuxent River. WD also participated in Hellfire integration and Stinger separation testing for the Air Force UAV, Predator.
"By participating in NAVAIR teams, we have gotten involved in projects we wouldn't have otherwise," he acknowledged. "We've got a lot of expertise and capability we're applying to the UAV world. We've got a lot to offer and opportunity to expand that. We are already involved in one form or another in every UAV out there."
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