Manned Reconnaissance Systems

Mission — RC-135 Systems source

RC-135 operational systems development and enhancement activities support design studies, engineering analysis, non-recurring engineering and other efforts associated with the integration and modification of the RC-135 programs and their specialized mission systems, both air and ground. Associated ground systems include RIVET JOINT Ground Data Processing Systems (GDPS), Distributed Mission Shelters (DMS), Mission Crew Training Systems (MCTS), Airborne Capabilities Extension System (ACES), and the Operational Flight Trainers (OFT, a.k.a. flight deck simulators). RC-135 funding also supports innovation activities to include studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes/demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition, technology insertion and future acquisition programs. Extensive utilization of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) based solutions allows rapid fielding of needed capabilities through upgrades and supports Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS)/Vanishing Vendor Items (VVI) logistics mitigation efforts. The results of these efforts provide for preliminary assessments of technical feasibility, operability, or military utility as well as specific engineering implementations for integration into the various systems baseline configurations. These activities are managed by the 645th Aeronautical Systems Group (645 AESG). The 645 AESG (a.k.a. BIG SAFARI) manages engineering, ground and support systems modifications, integration, flight testing, product assurance, acceptance testing, logistics, and training activities. Aircraft, sensor systems, and associated ground support system engineering planned for FY 2025 budget includes developmental planning, execution and support for the RC-135V/W RIVET JOINT Baselines 13 and 14 (BL-13 and BL-14), the RC-135U COMBAT SENT Baselines 6 and 7 (BL-6 and BL-7), and the RC-135S COBRA BALL BL-7 and BL-14 configurations. The world-wide challenge of keeping pace against technologically agile targets used by both nation and non-nation-state adversaries and the rapid evolution of COTS technologies demands a responsive and adaptive acquisition strategy for fielding incremental spiral upgrades and baseline capabilities that are logistically supportable at all locations. The 645 AESG uses an incremental baseline strategy to mitigate risk, find affordable solutions and field needed capabilities on the aircraft and associated ground support and training systems. Obsolescence and DMS/VVI logistical concerns are addressed with each baseline upgrade and assessed annually as part of the fleet sustainment responsibilities. RIVET JOINT BL-14 upgrades consist of, but are not limited to, providing a continuous recording capability, High Probability of Intercept (HPOI) Receiver, Corvus Digital Receiver (CDR), Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance - Air Traffic Management (CNS-ATM) avionics upgrades such as new autopilot, automated data system-broadcast (ADS-B) and Mode 5 identify friendly or foe (IFF) systems. RIVET JOINT BL-15 upgrades consist of, but are not limited to, scalable processor improvements, Wideband Agile Receiver and Pulse Detector (WARPD), Expanded Steered Beam capability, and augmented Remote Maintenance. COMBAT SENT BL-6 and initial BL-7 developmental enhancements consist of, but are not limited to, steerable beams for the COMINT sub-system, improved High Probability of Intercept (HPOI) capability and specific emitter identification (SEI) electronic intelligence (ELINT) sub- system, Primary Sensor Measurement System (PRISMS) merge with manual precision collections, millimeter wave and low band capabilities with PRISMS, digitizing antennas, direction finding of High Frequency signals and expanded streaming audio services and 360 degree aircraft tracking system. COBRA BALL BL-14 developmental enhancements consist of, but are not limited to, software updates to the MASINT collection system (MCS), high-gain steerable-beam K-band antenna array, high-band direction finding (DF) antenna, High Probability of Intercept (HPOI), enhanced Signals of Interest identification and classification, digitized collection antenna (Cerberus), enhanced time accuracy, coherent CFCS collections, integration of specific Quick Reaction Capabilities (QRC), migration of the common RIVET JOINT hardware and software, Ground Systems Baseline upgrades add the capabilities found in the corresponding RIVET JOINT Baseline upgrades (i.e., RIVET JOINT BL-13 corresponds to Ground System BL-13, RIVET JOINT BL-14 corresponds to Ground System BL-14, RIVET JOINT BL-15 corresponds to Ground System BL-15) to the Ground Systems to ensure crews receive training on the appropriate mission system configurations. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution and future program planning. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In PY 0.00M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in CY 0.00M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. The FY 2024 funding request was reduced by $1.608 million to account for the availability of prior year execution balances. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (1)