Navy UCAV Concepts Continue To
Define Missions and Capabilities
Source: Lockheed Martin
October 2, 1998
FORT WORTH, TX - The following descriptions describe two
potential scenarios (pictured) for the Lockheed Martin concepts for
U.S. Navy Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles.
Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems has recently
completed a study for the United States Navy with the objective to
create conceptual aircraft designs for three different types of naval
UCAVs. Two were to operate from surface combatant vessels, such as
amphibious assault ships and destroyers, while the third was to be
launched from submarines. Lockheed Martin further developed the
sub-launched UCAV design concept to include a unique recovery and
relaunch system concept. Such a system would enable the submarine to
have a sustained firepower capability. The contracted study also
addressed the key technologies that would be required, in addition to
the launch and recovery feasibilities.
Two stealthy, sub-launched UCAVs return from a strike
mission. They are approaching their splashdown rendezvous point with a
converted Trident submarine. The sub would have the capability to
recover the UCAVs while remaining underwater. The UCAVs could then be
re-armed and refueled inside the submarine, and made ready for launch
on another mission. The UCAVs are launched from the [modified]
ballistic missile launch tubes with rocket boosters, much like a
Tomahawk cruise missile. A Trident submarine has 24 launch tubes
available. At least four Tridents are to be retired from service in
accordance with the START2 nuclear weapons treaty.
A pair of low-observable, sub-launched UCAVs release
GPS-aided Small Smart Bombs on target coordinates that have been
transmitted from Forward Air Controllers on the ground via "Sure
Strike." The Sure Strike system was developed and patented by Lockheed
Martin, and is operational with U.S. Air Force units deployed to
support operations in Bosnia. Currently this streamlined CAS targeting
and digital communication system is interoperable with F-16 units
based at Aviano, Italy.
Extending Sure Strike to be interoperable with other
manned and future unmanned combat aircraft could be readily
accomplished. The combination of this type of system with GPS-aided
weaponry would allow many different types of combat aircraft to
effectively attack targets from higher altitudes and in all-weather
conditions. This capability would be ideal in a Close Air Support or
Special Operations mission
environment, and could significantly help to reduce potential UCAV
costs by not requiring the aircraft to carry sensors for these types
of mission.
The sub-launched UCAVs shown are concepts that were
developed under a recently completed study contract for the United
States Navy, that was funded through NAVAIR. The study was for the
development of three different naval UCAV concepts: a deck-launched
STOVL concept, a vertical attitude VATOL concept, and a
submarine-launched UCAV concept. Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft
Systems further-developed the third UCAV type to include an innovative
recovery and relaunch system concept for the Trident submarine. Such a
system would enable the submarine to have a substantial conventional
firepower capability
for sustained operations.
As the home of The Fighter Enterprise for Lockheed
Martin, Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems is the lead for the
corporation’s UCAV programs. Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems
currently builds the F-16, the world’s most sought-after combat
aircraft with more than 3,800 delivered to date to air forces in 19
countries. Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems also produces
one-third of the F-22 and is the lead company in Lockheed Martin’s
Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) development program. The company also
participates in production of Japan’s F-2 fighter and is working with
Korean industry
on the KTX-2 supersonic trainer project.
Contact: Kathryn Hayden
http://www.lmtas.com/news/press/ucav/ucavpr-5.html
(817) 763-4084