Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE) - Objective: Convert tactical UAVs from light-weight fuels (e.g., MOGAS and aviation gas) to heavier, diesel-type fuels (JP-5, JP-8) to enhance logistics interoperability (via a common fuel supply).
- Status: Contract terminated for technical risk; looking at alternate approaches.
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Holistic UAV Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Sensor Integration Effort (HUSSIE) - Objective: Detection of chemical agents via a SAW vapor sensor on UAVs; i.e., without risk to humans.
- Status: Proof-of-principle demonstration complete; data are being analyzed.
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Modular Integrated Avionics Group (MIAG) - Objective: A common set of avionics for UAVs and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to facilitate module repair or exchange to upgrade capabilities, enhance commonality, and enable data exchange.
- Status: Demonstrated initial capabilities for UAVs and UGVs.
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Communications Relay Payload - Objective: Routinely use UAVs for airborne relay to free manned aircraft for other missions.
- Status: Conducted initial demonstrations to develop a UHF/VHF relay payload. Flight testing is planned for 4Q FY95.
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Joint Airborne SIGINT Architecture (JASA) - Objective: Common sensor suite to provide target quality data and cueing to other sensor payloads.
- Status: Developing miniaturized payloads (<1500 lbs) for a complete SIGINT sensor suite.
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Laser Designator Payload - Objective: Accurate targeting for precision guided munitions without risk to aircraft or ground spotters.
- Status: Obtaining an off-the-shelf payload for a Hunter demonstration in late FY95.
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Global Positioning System (GPS) - Objective: Improved accuracy of UAV sensor imagery data and targeting capabilities via downsized and more accurate GPS receivers a s UAV payload.
- Status: GPS will progressively be incorporated into the MIAG and aboard UAVs.
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Mine Countermeasures Payload - Objective: UAV-borne mine detection capability to avoid risk to ground troops and naval forces.
- Status: Investigating two systems for mine detection: the Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA), and the Airborne Standoff Mine Detection System (ASTAMIDS).
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Common Data Link (CDL) - Objective: Interoperability of data links and data exchange among sensors, platforms, and their users.
- Status: The CDL project seeks to assess links and implement a single standard to meet user needs.
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UHF Satellite Communications System (SATCOM) - Objective: Extend UAV operating ranges/station-keeping via over-the-horizon (OTH) links.
- Status: MAE UAV demos are using SATCOM, and commercial leased satellite links.
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Counter-Proliferation Support (Defense Nuclear Agency) - Objective: Arms control treaty monitoring of nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) weapons.
- Status: UAVs are being examined for use in arms control monitoring and peacekeeping operations.
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Multi-Spectral Imaging (MSI) - Objective: Improved detection of buried, hidden or camouflaged objects via MSI sensor technology.
- Status: MSI sensors will be incorporated on UAVs as part of the Exigent Target Detection Program.
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Downsized Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) - Objective: Smaller, lighter, cheaper SAR sensors to increase UAV payload and performance.
- Status: ARPA's Low Cost Radar program is developing radar components for next-genreation radars. The DARO is tracking this and other DoD radar developments to identify components for UAV sensors.
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Wideband SAR (Foliage Penetrating [FOPEN]) - Objective: Improved detection of buried, hidden or camouflaged objects using wideband UHF/VHF SAR technology.
- Status: FOPEN radars will be incorporated on UAVs as part of the Exigent Target Detection Program.
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