Tusker Wing

Tusker Wing was a proposed unmanned airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platform, along with an associated intelligence fusion cell, designed to address emerging theater collection requirements and command strategy to build partner nation capacity. The Tusker Wing system was to make use of a variety of sensors mounted on aerostats and unmanned aerial vehicles to provide persistant surveillance in East Africa, including in support of counter-LRA operations.

On 17 May 2010, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced a presolicitation for Africa Command ISR Initiative Operations (Aii Ops) contract. The Tusker Wing program was a component of this larger initiative. The proposed Tusker Wing team would consist of at least 11 personnel. The sensor package would include electro-optical and infrared full motion video components, laser range finder, as well as, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), Hyperspectral (HSI), Synthetic-Aperture Radar (SAR), and other sensors as appropriate. Data transfer and related systems compatible with existing networks would be provided, along with a ground control/intelligence fusion element. The system was to be mounted on unmanned aerostats and/or unmanned aerial vehicles, which would be contractor-owned/contractor operated. The US Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) had conducted a study in FY09 on behalf of the Tusker Wing program to determine the best possible platforms for use in the system.

On 25 June 2010, the Aii Ops contract was delayed indefinitely. Tusker Wing was reportedly also canceled as a result.