Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA)

Mission — Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) source

The MQ-25 program, PU 3278, rapidly develops an unmanned capability to embark on Carrier Vessel, Nuclear (CVN) as part of the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) to conduct aerial refueling as a primary mission and provide Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability as a secondary mission. MQ-25 extends Carrier Air Wing mission effectiveness range, partially mitigates the current Carrier Strike Group (CSG) organic ISR shortfall and fills the future Carrier Air Wing-tanker gap, mitigating Strike Fighter shortfall and preserving F/A-18E/F Fatigue Life Expenditure for its primary missions. As the first carrier-based, Group 5 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), MQ-25 will pioneer the integration of manned and unmanned operations, mature, complex sea-based Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) technologies, and pave the way for future multi-faceted, multi-mission Unmanned Aircraft Systems to pace emerging threats. The MQ-25 system will enhance CVN capability and versatility for the Joint Forces Commander through the integration of a persistent, sea-based, multi-mission aerial refueling and ISR Unmanned Aircraft System into the Carrier Air Wing. MQ-25 is comprised of an Air System which will integrate with the UMCS program. These architectural segments will be managed by the PMA-268 Government Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) that provides system-of-systems integration and is also responsible for managing enterprise-level Unmanned Carrier Aviation architecture and associated interfaces. MQ-25 Development includes development and test of the air vehicle to include software, peculiar support equipment, training systems and other logistics elements. In FY 2026, the program will continue Ground Control Station (GCS) integration and continue flight test with the air vehicles. All four Engineering Development Models (EDMs), and one of the three System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTAs) will continue to support ground and flight testing. The program will continue to develop and integrate increased software capabilities into the aircraft in support of carrier suitability and mission systems evaluations. The program will continue to develop and integrate obsolescence redesign of critical flight system avionics to establish the production baseline. The program will continue development and integration efforts to incorporate capabilities necessary to enable and align MQ-25 operations with the Navy's Unmanned Campaign Plan and future unmanned carrier aviation requirements. The UMCS program, PU 3279, is the system-of-systems required for MQ-25 vehicle and payload control, both shipboard and shore based. UMCS consists of all ground and ship-based hardware, software, and networks associated with the planning and execution of flight operations and tactical missions. In addition to the GCS, consisting of Air Vehicle Pilot (AVP) workstations and servers, the UMCS program builds hardware to support line of sight (LOS) communications, beyond line of sight (BLOS) satellite communications (SATCOM), and integration with ship/shore-based systems. There are three GCS variants: MD-5C (CVN-based), MD-5D (Shore-based), and MD-5E (Embarkable system for use on CVNs that do not yet have permanent GCS systems installed). UMCS leverages existing Programs of Record (PoR) for network integration and LOS/BLOS communications and builds MQ-25 unique systems (e.g. an ARC-210 based LOS communication system and a Video Management System (VidMS) for AVP situational awareness). GCS streamlines software development, supports multiple classification levels, and positions MQ-25A interoperability with other DoD systems. Hardware development and fabrication is one facet of the program. UMCS develops and integrates software and modifies several aircraft carrier spaces to install and integrate the GCS and communication systems, in support of MQ-25A test events and operations aboard select NIMITZ Class CVNs. The UMCS program modifies and integrates with existing, external Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence systems to provide network paths for air vehicle and mission payload data using a variety of wideband and narrowband communication paths. UMCS accomplishes this by integrating the GCS and the MQ-25A air vehicle with multiple networks and systems both at sea and on shore. In addition to controlling the MQ-25, UMCS will provide the GCS for Collaborative Combat Aircraft and the Air Wing of the Future (AWOTF). In FY 2026, UMCS will complete integration testing of the MD-5E Embarkable system. The Embarkable system consists of a subset of the final GCS configuration hardware and test unique instrumentation installed and integrated with existing ship communication and network systems. UMCS will also complete baseline GCS software development and continue developing Correction of Deficiency (CoD) builds in support of MQ-25 at sea testing events in late 2025 and 2026. UMCS will continue developing Technical Data Packages for system level components and continue providing system engineering, program management, and development support for the program. JUSTIFICATION FOR BUDGET ACTIVITY: This program is funded under SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION because it includes projects that have passed Milestone B approval and are conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to a full-rate production decision.

Mission — MQ-25 Air System (AS) source

The scope of the program includes, but is not limited to, system level requirements identification, allocation of requirements to segments and components, design, development, integration, fabrication, test, training, and support activities to provide the MQ-25 capabilities. To provide these capabilities, MQ-25 will transition technologies from other programs and adapt them into the carrier environment. MQ-25 will deliver the necessary air vehicles, command, control, connectivity, shipboard and land-based launch and recovery control systems, associated support systems, interfaces, and upgrades to other Navy systems (as required) to meet the required capabilities.

Mission — Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System source

The Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Mission Control System (UMCS) program develops, modifies, builds, integrates, and installs control systems, afloat and ashore, required to operate the MQ-25A, Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and future unmanned systems. UMCS will have to modify existing systems or develop new capabilities to support the control of different unmanned systems. With limited space on the aircraft carriers, the control station software will be modified to enable control of multiple aircraft from a single cockpit. The Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System program includes what was previously identified as the Control System & Connectivity (CS&C) and Carrier Vessel, Nuclear (CVN) Integration (CVNI) Segments previously captured under the MQ-25 Development PU 3278. The UMCS program, PU 3279, is the system-of-systems required for MQ-25 vehicle and payload control both shipboard and shore based. UMCS consists of all ground and ship-based hardware, software, and networks associated with the planning and execution of flight operations and tactical missions. In addition to the Ground Control Station (GCS), consisting of Air Vehicle Pilot (AVP) workstations and servers, the UMCS program builds hardware to support line of sight (LOS) communications, beyond line of sight (BLOS) satellite communications (SATCOM), and integration with ship/shore-based systems. There are three variants of the GCS: MD-5C (CVN-based), MD-5D (Shore-based) and MD-5E (Embarkable system) for use on CVNs that do not yet have permanent GCS systems installed. UMCS leverages existing Programs of Record for network integration and LOS/BLOS communications and builds MQ-25 unique systems (e.g. an ARC-210 based LOS communication system and a Video Management System (VidMS) for AVO situational awareness). The GCS, with a dedicated manufacturer for the core component, allows for streamlined software development, supports multiple classification levels, and positions MQ-25A interoperability with other DoD systems. Hardware development and fabrication is one facet of the program. UMCS develops and integrates software and modifies several aircraft carrier spaces to install and integrate the GCS and communication systems, in support of MQ-25A test events and operations aboard select NIMITZ Class CVNs. The UMCS program modifies and integrates with existing, external Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems to provide network paths for air vehicle and mission payload data using a variety of wideband and narrowband communication paths. UMCS accomplishes this by integrating the GCS and the MQ-25A Air Vehicle with multiple networks and systems both at sea and on shore. UMCS builds the Multi Domain Combat System (MDCX) which is the core of the MD-5 control station and includes the AVP workstations, server racks, and an integrated communication system (ICS). The MD-5 also includes an interface rack, Video Management System (VidMS), ARC-210 Radio Communication System (RCS), and Ashore Routing Communication System (ARCS). The ship variant (MD-5C) will leverage the shore-based system components but will have manufacturing differences to account for the harsher CVN environment. The VidMS provides situational awareness displays of the CVN environment. The ARC-210 and Digital Modular Radio (DMR) systems provide narrowband command and control (C2) communications between the GCS and the MQ-25A. An ICS 1/2 rack integrates the GCS with existing carrier communication systems. The ARCS provides an interface between the shore GCS sites and the Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) networks enabling wide-band LOS and BLOS communications with the MQ-25A. UMCS also leverages NAVWAR baseline systems on board the CVNs and at the MQ-25A shore sites. UMCS leads development, modification, engineering, and integration activities, to facilitate seamless voice, data, and C2 exchanges with the MQ-25A AV, local networks, voice networks, C2 networks, tactical networks, intelligence systems, and launch and recovery systems by collaborating with existing NAVWAR, NAVAIR and NAVSEA Programs of Record (PoRs). UMCS serves as a Lead System Integrator (LSI) by delivering the Government MD-5 systems and network connectivity across the Naval Enterprise. CVN modification and installation is governed by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Navy Modernization Process (NMP). This process defines the schedule for submitting documentation, drawings, and hardware to support CVN modifications. Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System modifications must occur during pre-planned maintenance periods that are updated at least twice per year. Changes to these maintenance periods drive changes to the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System installation schedule. The NMP consists of multiple phases. Phase 1, approximately three years before the maintenance period, consists of developing the system design, technical data, installation guidance, and Ship Change Documents (SCDs). Phase 2, approximately two years before the maintenance period, consists of hull specific ship checks, drawing development and hardware procurement. Phase 3, one year before the maintenance period, consists of drawing approval, install schedule development, completion of cybersecurity and logistics documentation, and GCS integration testing. Phase 4 occurs during the maintenance period and consists of CVN infrastructure modification, hardware installation, and completion of ship-board integrated verification testing. CVN modifications and installations are based on the number of SCDs and the length of the planned maintenance period. Due to the size and complexity of the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System modifications, a minimum of two 6-month maintenance periods is required for a full installation.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (6)