LUMINA (Long Endurance Unmanned Multi INT Airship)

Army G-2 and Army RDECOM-CERDEC (Research, Development and Engineering Command - Communications and Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Command) have initiated the LUMINA [Lumina comes from the Latin for "light"] quick reaction capability (QRC) technology program to buy down the risk for a long endurance, persistent surveillance/sensor integration technology solution to the IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) fight. To support immediate demonstration and test of LUMINA The Contracting Center of Excellence (CCE) on behalf of the US Army DCS G-1 (ODSCPER), intends to award a sole source award [May 02, 2007] to Alion Science and Technology.

Deputy Director, JIEDDO, requested an accelerated MANPRINT analysis. This analysis is to ensure tha t projected personnel requirements for LUMINA will complement/replace existing personnel already in theater operating the Warrior-A UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). The LUMINA effort will provide an extended on station time due to it not being a traditiona l aircraft but a blimp. This paradigm shift in unmanned aerial reconnaissance requires an investigation of the manpower requirements associated with this new system.