lighter-than-air vehicles - Defense Innovation Marketplace

SINCGARS/EPLRS and air-to-air/ air-togroundISR aerial network communications.Communications and payload control areprovided via two ground control stations.The primary GCS handles air vehicle (AV)command and control (C2), payload C2, andpayload product PED. The secondary GCShandles AV C2 for remote launch andrecovery. AV C2 communications areprovided beyond line of sight (BLOS) viasatellite communications. LOS operationsare conducted using a TCDL. 1The LEMV Technology DemonstrationProgram is authorized per an OtherTransaction Authority (OTA) to produce upto three LEMV systems for a Joint MilitaryUtility Assessment (JMUA) for a period notto exceed five years. A JMUA will beconducted following system developmentand testing, and a Material DevelopmentDecision (MDD) is expected 90-180 daysafter completion of Phase 1 of the JMUA.The Army is the appropriatingorganization. 47The detailed design is complete, and allmajor aircraft systems, ground controlsystems, and ground support equipmenthave been manufactured and delivered.FY12 plans include sub-system integrationand checkout of the air vehicle including thefollowing: hull, electrical system, propulsionsystem, fuel system, flight control system,mission systems, and payloads. Integrationand testing will be conducted on the GCS toconfirm AV C2, payload C2, and payloadproduct PED, with information assurancecertification as well. The near-term goal is tocomplete integration and conduct systemleveltesting demonstrating manned andunmanned flight operations. Systemdemonstrations and first flight are currentlyplanned for the summer of 2012. Predeploymentdemonstrations will beconducted to assess military capability andlimitations. Longer term plans include aself-deployment from a CONUS location toa Joint Military Utility Assessment (JMUA)location to be conducted in FY13 with theultimate goal of providing continued operationalsupport to combatant forces. 47The Army provided initial funding forLEMV in FY10. Current plans are to fundthe program through a JMUA to beconducted in FY13.52