United States Air Force Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Plan 2009-2047
UNCLASSIFIEDUnited States Air ForceUnmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Plan2009-2047Headquarters, United States Air ForceWashington DC18 May, 2009-1-
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UNCLASSIFIEDList of Figures . 7References . 91. INTRODUCTION. 141.1 Purpose. 141.2 Assumptions . 141.3 Vision . 152. BACKGROUND . 152.1 Basic Environment . 152.2 UAS Characteristics . 153. PROCESS . 163.2 Implementation Plan . 173.3 Roles and Responsibilities. 173.4 DOTMLPF-P Immediate Actions . 173.5 DOTMLPF-P Future Portfolio Actions . 184. EFFECTIVE DATE . 185. OFFICE OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY (OPR): . 196. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS . 19ANNEX 1- DOTMLPF-P ASSESSMENT OF UAS THREATS- . 211.1 Threats . 211.2 Vulnerabilities . 21ANNEX 2- GAPS AND SHORTFALLS . 232.1 Application of Gaps and Shortfalls . 23ANNEX 3- CURRENT PROGRAMS . 253.1 Small UAS. 253.2 Medium UAS . 263.3 Large UAS . 273.4 GWOT- Supplemental to Baseline Funding . 283.5 Manpower . 283.6 Human Systems Integration (HSI) . 30ANNEX 4- EVOLUTION OF CAPABILITIES . 334.1 Family of Systems : . 334.2 Small UAS Family of Systems . 354.3 Medium System . 384.4 Large-size Unmanned Aircraft System . 394.5 Special Category System . 404.6 Path to Autonomy- DOTMLPF-P Synchronization . 414.6.1 Near Term . 424.6.1.1 Near Term Simultaneous Actions . 424.6.1.2 Additional Near Term Actions: Communications Network Issues . 434.6.1.2.1 Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) . 444.6.1.2.2 Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) . 444.6.1.2.3 Spectrum Management . 454.6.1.2.4 Protected Communications . 454.6.1.2.5 Bandwidth Management . 454.6.2 Mid-Term . 464.6.3 Long Term (FY15-25) . 484.6.3.1 NAS Integration . 484.6.3.2 Long Term (FY15-25) Technology Enablers . 494.6.3.3 Career Pyramid Development . 494.6.4 Long Term (FY25-47) Path Toward Full Autonomy . 504.6.4.1 Long Term (FY25-47) Technology Enablers . 504.6.4.2 Force Structure Reform . 50ANNEX 5- IMMEDIATE ACTION PLAN . 535.1 DOTMLPF-P Immediate Actions . 53-5-
UNCLASSIFIED5.1.1 Doctrine: . 535.1.2 Organization . 545.1.3 Training. 555.1.4 Materiel and Personnel: . 555.1.5 Leadership, Education and Personnel . 595.1.6 Policy: . 595.2 Independent Logistics Assessments (ILA) . 60ANNEX 6- ENTERING THE CORPORATE PROCESS . 636.0 Key DoD Corporate Processes. 636.1 JCIDS Process . 636.2 PPBE . 646.2.1 POM . 646.2.2 BES . 646.2.3 Entering the Air Force Corporate Process . 646.3 Acquisition Strategy . 666.3.1 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Acquisition Overview . 666.3.2 Unmanned Systems Acquisition Management . 676.3.4 Budget Investments . 676.3.5 Open Architecture . 686.3.6 Technology Assessment for Tactical UAS . 686.4 Relationship with Other Organizations . 696.4.1 Internal DoD Components . 696.4.2. Governmental Departments and Agencies . 716.4.3. Industry . 726.4.4. Coalition Partners . 726.4.5. International Organizations . 726.4.6 Lead MAJCOMs . 73ANNEX 7- LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT . 757.1 Unique UAS Characteristics and LCM Implications . 757.2 Goal #1 Improve Current Sustainment Posture. 767.3 Goal #2 Ensure Product Supportability for Future Systems . 777.4 Goal #3: Identify & Invest in Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Sustainability (RAMS)Technologies with Particular UAS Applicability . 78ANNEX 8- TRAINING . 81-6-
UNCLASSIFIEDList of FiguresFigure 1: Joint UAS Group ClassificationFigure 2: Potential Mission Sets for UASFigure 3: SUAS Family of SystemsFigure 4: Medium System EvolutionFigure 5: Large System EvolutionFigure 6: Special System EvolutionFigure 7: DOTMLPF-P Synchronization- Near TermFigure 8: Mid Term – Accelerate InnovationFigure 9: Long Term – Fully Integrate UASFigure 10: Long Term – Full AutonomyFigure 11: DoD Corporate ProcessesFigure 12: USAF POM Development TimelineFigure 13: FY10 Notional TimelineFigure 14: OSD UAS Task Force StructureFigure 15: LCM Implications-7-
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UNCLASSIFIEDReferencesAir Force Capability Review and Risk Assessment (CRRA), A5XC, 2007Condition Based Maintenance Plus (CBM ) Guidebook, May 2008DoD Instruction 4151.22, Condition Based Maintenance Plus, 2 December 2007Existing Joint Capability Integration and Development System Requirements, A5RI, 2008Focused Long-Term Challenges Overview (and current Ongoing Technology Efforts), Air Force Research Lab(AFRL/XP), 13 October 2008Joint Requirements Oversight Council Memoranda, VCJCS (General James Cartwright), 25 November 2008Joint UAS Center of Excellence (JCOE) Concept of Operations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, JROCM 229-08,25 November 2008OSD Quadrennial Roles and Missions Review UAS ISR Report, USD (I), 2008OSD FY2009–2034 Unmanned Systems Integrated Roadmap, OSD AT&L, 6 April 2009Reliability, Availability and Maintainability Policy” Memo, SAF/AQ, 28 August 2008US Navy Strategic Vision”, Briefing, OPNAV N882, 18 December 2008Intentionally Left Blank-9-
UNCLASSIFIEDList of AbbreviationsACTDAdvanced Concept TechnologyDemonstrationACCAir Combat HSIOAFOSIAcquisition DecisionMemorandumAdvanced Extremely HighFrequencyActive Electronically ScannedArrayUAS Aeronautical SystemsWingAir Education and TrainingCommandAir Force Corporate StructureAir Force Global LogisticsSupport CenterAir Force Human SystemsIntegration OfficeAir Force Office of SpecialInvestigationAFRLAir Force Research LaboratoryAFSCAir Force Specialty CodeAFSO21Air Force Smart OperationsAir Force Special OperationsCommandUnited States Space CommandAir Force.Artificial IntelligenceAFSOCAFSPACEAIALPABAMSBATMAVBES(B) LOSAir Traffic ManagementAirborne Warning and ControlSystemBattlefield AirborneCommunications NodeBroad Area MaritimeSurveillanceBattlefield Airman TargetingMicro Air VehicleBudget Estimate SubmissionsBQT(Beyond) Line-of-SightBattle Management Commandand ControlBasic Qualification TrainingC2Command and ControlCAFCombat Air ForcesCAMCAPCentralized Asset ManagementCore Automated MaintenanceSystemCombat Air PatrolCASClose Air SupportCBACBPCapabilities-Based AssessmentCondition Based MaintenancePlusCustoms and Border ProtectionCBTComputer Based TrainingCCDRCombatant CommanderCDLCommon Data LinkCEACareer Enlisted AviatorCFRBMC2CAMSCBM AMCAirline Pilots AssociationAir-launched Small UnmannedAircraft SystemAir Mobility CommandAoAAnalysis of AlternativesAOCCLSAORAir Operations CenterAircraft Owners and PilotsAssociationArea of ResponsibilityCOACode of Federal RegulationsChairman of Joint Chiefs ofStaff InstructionContract Logistics SupportConference of NationalArmaments DirectorsCourses of ActionASAcquisition SustainmentCOCOMCombatant CommandASCAeronautical Systems CenterAirborne Signals IntelligencePayloadAcquisition, Technology, andLogisticsAdvanced Tactical Data LinkAutomatic Takeoff and LandCapabilityCOECenter of ExcellenceCONEMPConcept of EmploymentCONOPSConcept of OperationsCOTSCSARCommercial Off-The-ShelfCapabilities Review and RiskAssessmentCombat Search and RescueD&SWSDevelop & Sustain Warfighting SystemsAL-SUASAOPAASIPAT&LATDLATLCCJCSICNADCRRA- 10 -
UNCLASSIFIEDGMTIGround Moving Target IndicatorGPSGlobal Positioning SystemGWOTGlobal War on TerrorismHAAHigh Altitude AirshipDFGDefense Advanced ResearchProjects AgencyDefensive Counter AirDistributed Common GroundSystemDefense Fiscal GuidanceHALEHigh Altitude Long EnduranceDHSDept of Homeland SecurityHPTHigh Performance TeamDIRLAUTHDirect Liaison AuthorizedHRRHigh-Range ResolutionDMODistributed Mission OperationsHSlHuman-Systems IntegrationHVTHigh Value TargetDepartment of DefenseIADSIntegrated Air Defense SystemIBSDRUDoctrine, Organization,Training, Materiel, Leadershipand Education, Personnel,Facilities, and PolicyDirect Reporting UnitEAElectronic AttackIEDILAINSEMPExpeditionary Combat SupportSystemExtremely High FrequencyEnhanced Integrated SensorSuitestEnterprise Logistics for the 21CenturyElectro Magnetic PulseIntegrated Broadcast SystemInternational Civil AviationOrganizationIndefinite Delivery, IndefiniteQuantityImprovised Explosive DeviceIndependent LogisticsAssessmentIntegrated Life CycleManagementIntegrated Maintenance DataSystemInertial Navigation SystemIPLIntegrated Priority ListsEO/IRElectro-optical/infraredIPTIntegrated Process TeamEWIQTInitial Qualification TrainingIRInfraredIntelligence, Surveillance, andReconnaissanceIrregular WarfareFAAElectronic WarfareEnlisted Weapon SystemOperatorFind, Fix, Track, Target,Engage, AssessFederal Aviation AdministrationFAAFunctional Area AnalysisFLTCFocused Long Term ChallengesFNAFunctional Needs AnalysisJCOEFOAField Operating AgencyJCTDFOLForward Operating LocationsJFCFoSFamily of SystemsFSAFunctional Solutions AnalysisFSSFixed Satellite ServiceJFCOMFTDField Training DetachmentJICDFTUFormal Training UnitJIOPGCSGround Control StationGuidance for the Developmentof the ForceGlobal Information JPG- 11 -Joint Capability AreasJoint Capabilities Integrationand Development SystemJoint UAS Center of ExcellenceJoint Concept TechnicalDemonstrationJoint Force CommanderJoint Functional ComponentCommanderJoint Forces CommandJoint Interface ControlDocumentsJoint Interoperability ProfileJoint Precision ApproachLanding SystemJoint Programming Guidance
UNCLASSIFIEDOPCONOffice of CoordinatingResponsibilityOriginal EquipmentManufacturerOperation IRAQI FREEDOMObserve, Orient, Decide, andActOperational ControlOPFOROpposition ForceOPROffice of Primary ResponsibilityOffice of the Secretary ofDefenseProcessing, Analysis, andDisseminationPresident’s BudgetPolicy Board on FederalAviationProgram DecisionMemorandumProgram ElementKPPJoint ProgrammingDevelopment OfficeJoint Surveillance and TargetAttack Radar SystemJoint Tactical Air ControllerJoint Unmanned AircraftSystemJoint Requirements OversightCouncilJoint Tactics, Techniques andProceduresKey Performance ParameterLCMLife Cycle ManagementLCMPLife-Cycle Management PlanLD/HDLow Density, High DemandPBLHALogistics Health AssessmentPBFALOSLine of SiteLow Probability of Intercept orDetectionLaunch and Recovery ive, Virtual, and ConstructiveLive, Virtual, and ConstructiveIntegrating ArchitectureLive and Virtual TrainingMACMulti-Aircraft ControlMAJCOMMajor CommandMiniature Air Launch Decoy –JointMission Control MEPPDLProfessional Military Education(Amended) Program ObjectiveMemorandumProgram of RecordPlanning, Programming,Budgeting, and ExecutionPredator Primary Data LinkQCQuality ControlQDRR&EQuadrennial Defense ReviewResource AllocationEffectivenessReliability, Availability,Maintainability andSustainabilityResearch, Development, Testand EngineeringResearch and EngineeringRFRadio FrequencyROIReturn on Investment(A)POMPORPPBERAEMQTMicro-Electronic MachinesMilitary SatelliteCommunicationsMilitary Intelligence ProgramMaintenance InformationSystemsMulti-Platform RadarTechnology Insertion ProgramMission Qualification TrainingMUOSMobile User Objective SystemROMORange of Military OperationsNASNational Airspace SystemsNational Defense AuthorizationActNext Generation AirTransportation SystemOperations and ManagementRSORemote-Split OpsRTOResponsible Test OrganizationSADLSituation Airborne Data LinkSARSynthetic Aperture RadarSATCOMSatellite CommunicationsOffensive Counter AirOverseas ContingencyOperationSCOSupply Chain OperationsSDBSATCOM Data RDT&E- 12 -
UNCLASSIFIEDSMESuppression of Enemy AirDefenseSignals IntelligenceSystems Lifecycle IntegrityManagementSubject Matter ExpertSOSensor OperatorsSOAService Oriented ArchitectureSOCOMSpecial Operations CommandSPGStrategic Planning GuidanceSSMSystem Sustainment ManagerSTANAGTACCStandardization AgreementSmall Tactical UnmannedAircraft SystemSmall Unmanned AircraftSystemSpecialized Undergraduate PilotTrainingTanker Airlift Control CenterTACONTactical ControlTETraining EnterpriseTESTactical Exploitation SystemTFTask ForceTFITotal Force IntegrationTOATotal Obligation AuthorityTasking, Processing, Analysisand DisseminationUnited States TransportationCommandTechnology Readiness TUASTransformational SatelliteTactics, Techniques,ProceduresUnmanned Aircraft SystemUAVUnmanned Aerial VehicleUCPUnified Command PlanUCSUAS Control SegmentUHFUltrahigh FrequencyWGSWideband Global SATCOMWarner Robins Air LogisticsCenterWideband SATCOM OperationsManagement SystemExtended Data RateTTPWR-ALCWSOMSXDR- 13 -
Air Force UAS Flight Plan1. INTRODUCTION1.1 PurposeThis Flight Plan is an actionable plan to achieve the USAF vision for the future of UAS. The USAF willimplement the actions described within to evolve UAS capabilities. Given the dynamic nature ofemerging technologies, this Flight Plan is a living document crafted to be updated as benchmarks areachieved and emerging technologies proven. Specifically, this plan outlines initiatives from 2009 to 2047in DOTMLPF-P format that balance the early USAF unmanned lessons learned with current andemerging unmanned technology advancements. This inaugural plan focuses all USAF organizations on acommon vision. The outline and milestones will be articulated with greater specificity throughcollaborative efforts. The vision is for a USAF positioned to harness increasingly automated, modular, andsustainable UAS resulting in leaner, more adaptable and tailorable forces that maximize the effectivenessstof 21 Century airpower.1.2 AssumptionsTen key assumptions guided the development of the flight plan:1. Integration of manned and unmanned systems increases capability across the full range of militaryoperations for the Joint fight.2. UAS are compelling where human physiology limits mission execution (e.g. persistence, speed ofreaction, contaminated environment).3. Automation with a clear and effective user interface are the keys to increasing effects while potentiallyreducing cost, forward footprint, and risk.4. The desired USAF outcome is a product of the “system” of capabilities (payload, network, andProcessing, Analysis and Dissemination (PAD)) and less a particular platform.5. Modular systems with standardized interfaces are required for adaptability, sustainability, andreducing cost.6. Agile, redundant, interoperable and robust command and control (C2) creates the capability ofsupervisory control (“man on the loop”) of UAS.7. DOTMLPF-P solutions must be synchronized.8. Industry will be able to deliver the needed technology in time for system development.9. The range, reach, and lethality of 2047 combat operations will necessitate an unmanned system-ofsystems to mitigate risk to mission and force, and provide perceive-act line execution.10. The benchmarks outlined in this Flight Plan are achievable within USAF budgetary constraints.- 14 -
Air Force UAS Flight Plan1.3 VisionThis Flight Plan’s vision is for a USAF:-Where UAS are considered viable alternatives to a range of traditionally mannedmissions.-That harnesses increasingly automated, modular and sustainable systems that retain ourability to employ UASs through their full envelope of performance resulting in a leaner,more adaptable, tailorable, and scalable force that maximizes combat capabilities to theJoint Force.-Teaming with the other Services, our allies, academia, and industry to capitalize on theunique combination of attributes UAS provide: persistence, connectivity, flexibility,autonomy, and efficiency.-That strives to get the most out of UAS to increase joint warfighting capability, whilepromoting service interdependency and the wisest use of tax dollars.2. BACKGROUND2.1 Basic EnvironmentUAS have experienced explosive growth in recent history, providing one of the most “in demand”capabilities the USAF presents to the Joint Force. The attributes of persistence, efficiency, flexibility ofmission, information collection and attack capability have repeatedly proven to be force multipliers acrossthe spectrum of global Joint military operations. UAS not only provide information to senior operationaldecision makers, but also directly to Joint and Coalition forces operating in the field or in congested urbanenvironments. UAS can aid forces in combat and perform strike missions against pre-planned or highvalue opportunities, minimizing risk of collateral damage when it is a major consideration. UAS also havethe ability to take advantage of the capability inherent to the Remote Split Operations (RSO) concept toflex assets between areas of responsibility (AORs) based on Joint Force Commander (JFC) and SECDEFpriorities. Most USAF UAS are operated beyond line of sight (BLOS) from geographically separatedlocation; therefore producing sustained combat capability more efficiently with a reduced forwardfootprint.2.2 UAS CharacteristicsAn unmanned aircraft is not limited by human performance or physiological characteristics. Therefore,extreme persistence and maneuverability are intrinsic benefits that can be realized by UAS. Given thatthey are unmanned, potential UAS operational environments can include contested and denied areaswithout exposing a crew to those risks. Further, the size of the aircraft is not constrained by life supportelements and size of the person. Ultimately unmanned airpower can be carried in a backpack withcommensurate capabilities.Future UAS will require access to an interoperable, affordable, responsive and sustainable tacticalnetwork system of systems capable of satisfying Service, Joint, Interagency, and Coalition tacticalinformation exchanges. This tactical network system will be distributed, scalable and secure. It includes,but is not limited to, human interfaces, software applications and interfaces, network transport, networkservices, information services and the hardware and interfaces necessary to form a complete system thatdelivers tactical mission outcomes. The tactical network system operates as independent small combatsub-networks connected to each other and to the Global Information Grid (GIG). The advantages of thisstructure make worldwide real-time information available to the pilot as well as worldwide real-timedissemination of information from the UAS. Terrestrial based resources and connectivity allowspecialized skills to be called upon on demand when and where needed.- 15 -
Air Force UAS Flight PlanUAS increase the percentage of assets available for operations due to their distributive nature. It may bepossible for initial qualification training of UAS crews to be accomplished via simulators almost entirelywithout launching an aircraft, enabling a higher percentage of aircraft to be combat coded and availablefor other operations. The resulting deployment and employment efficiencies lend greater capability at thesame or reduced expense when compared to manned equivalents.UAS will adopt a UAS Control Segment (UCS) architecture that is open, standard, scalable and will allowfor rapid addition of modular functionality. This architecture will enable the warfighter to add capability,offer competitive options, encourage innovation and increase cost control. It can also dramaticallyimprove interoperability and data access, and increase training efficiencies. Flexibility will allow adaptingthe man-machine interface for specific Military Service’s Concept of Operations (CONOPS) whilemaintaining commonality on the underlying architecture and computing hardware. Furthermore, aDepartment of Defense (DoD) architecture utilizing a core open architecture model will allow competitionamong companies to provide new tools like visualization, data archiving and tagging, and auto tracking.As technologies advance, UAS automation and hypersonic flight will reshape the battlefield of tomorrow.One of the most important elements to consider with this battlefield is the potential for UAS to rapidlycompress the observe, orient, decide, and act (OODA) loop. Future UAS able to perceive the situationand act independently with limited or little human input will greatly shorten decision time. This PerceiveAct line is critical to countering growing adversary UAS threats that seek automation capabilities (ref.Annex 1). As autonomy and automation merge, UAS will be able to swarm (one pilot directing the actionsof many multi-mission aircraft) creating a focused, relentless, and scaled attack.3. PROCESS3.1 MethodologyThe unique characteristics and attributes inherent in UAS provide the basis to determine future missionswhere UAS would enhance Joint Forces combat effectiveness. The goal of this process was todetermine appropriate mission areas where UAS would best serve the JFC. The relevant mission areaswere then prioritized based o
Air Force Capability Review and Risk Assessment (CRRA), A5XC, 2007 . AFSC Air Force Specialty Code AFSO21 Air Force Smart Operations AFSOC Air Force Special Operations Command
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Manning the Next Unmanned Air Force . Developing RPA Pilots of the Future . Colonel Bradley T. Hoagland, United States Air Force . FEDERAL EXECUTIVE FELLOW. CENTER FOR 21st CENTURY SECURITY . AND .
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Department of the Air Force: 57*0704 Family Housing, Air Force 57*0810 Environmental Restoration, Air Force 57X1999 Unclassified Receipts and Expenditures, Air Force 57*3010 Aircraft Procurement, Air Force 57*3011 Procurement of Ammunition, Air Force 57*3020 Missile Procurement, Air Force
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awards those who can respond to "JAUS" for Networked unmanned systems SOURCE: : Crouse, J. (2008). The joint architecture for unmanned systems: a subsystem of the wunderbot 4. Elizabethtown College research report. MORE ON THIS in COMPUTING LECTURES Wunderbot 4 Wireless Communication by Jeremy Crouse (advisor: Dr. Wunderlich)
The Question is, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Am I My Brother’s Keeper, Bill Scheidler 4 Deuteronomy 25:5-10 – God challenges brothers to build up the house of their brothers. “If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the widow of the dead man shall not be married to a stranger outside the family; her husband’s brother shall go in to her, take her as his .
