This article first appeared at AviationWeek.com.
The U.S. Marine Corps is drafting a wish list of capabilities associated with two future unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The first is notionally called the Group 4 UAS, the first of its kind as the Marine Corps shifts from its old “tiered” system of classifying into new groups, according to Maj. Thomas Heffern, of the service’s UAS Capabilities Office. He spoke Feb. 3 at the AUVSI’s annual Program Review conference in Washington.
Group 4 would likely be the only one of its kind solely procured by the amphibious-assault-oriented service, and thereby optimized for its future mission needs. The trade space is wide as the Marines examine their options. The system’s mission isn’t yet defined, but it is possible it could pick up some electronic warfare, electronic surveillance and — possibly — electronic attack missions after the retirement of the EA-6B, Heffern says.
Endurance is desired at between 14–30 hours, with a notional radius of 350–450 nautical miles. This system might be weaponized to reduce the time to engage targets, and would need to haul at least 1,500 pounds of payload. The Marines place an emphasis on developing a UAS that emit less noise at operating altitude to help hide their operations.
One major question ahead as the Marines define the Group 4 UAS is whether it will conduct vertical takeoff and landing or require short, austere runways for operation, Heffern says.
The Corps is also exploring a requirement for a future cargo lift system. The Office of Naval Research and other military labs have released a myriad of requests for information on this capability, but Heffern says various options are on the table. Notionally, this system would be shipboard capable, haul from 1,000–6,000 pounds, travel up to 250 knots and execute a range of 300 nautical miles. The speed requirement is prompting the Corps to examine whether a tiltrotor is its only option for this future cargo lift system.
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– Christian
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I say Yes R&D, then Produce them like 1K.
The Corp can use this for:
Recon
Scouting
Fire Control
SAR
C3I use.
Have em air & ship launched.
& some Hand held launch or mini catapult.
Save Lives & Money.
Go Corp, Go Corp.
I think it’s funny that with the rise of a new president who plans to perform major budget cuts in miltary R&D, every branch of the service is thinking up new ways to spend even more money.
Government spending “stimulates” the economy as much as injecting steroids stimulate the muscles, it may give a stronger first impression, but in the end it weakens the whole organism/economy.
Gentlemem, I think we can agree that Mr. Hibby meant no real harm from his comments and I am sure he did not intend to “suggest” a world war. However, back to the issue of the UAS. While I uhderstand the concept and the need for unmanned vehicles, I do not understand the design for the new cargo lift system. While it was never really stated, I do believe the article is impling that Group 4 intends to use a tilt rotor design, much like the V-22. I cannot say that I am happy about this, for I never completely agreed with the design my self. But, I am able to admit that I would like to see it be used for unmanned aircrafts rather then putting more pilots in already life threatening situations with a difficult aircraft. Now please do not jump down my throat, I know the V-22 has been serving its country with honor for the last four years. Just for our troop’s sake I am saying it would be a great cargo system and perhaps its service as an unmanned aircraft will be so impresive that I will have faith in it for the troops again. Please your thoughs.