Family of Systems (FOS) CONOPS •UAS Capability Analogy •UAS Mission Sets •USMC’s UAS FoS Roadmap •Small (Group 1) UAS •RQ-21A Blackjack •MQ-X

1. .
.
..
.
UNCLASSIFIED

2. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Outline
• Family of Systems (FOS) CONOPS
• UAS Capability Analogy
• UAS Mission Sets
• USMC’s UAS FoS Roadmap
• Small (Group 1) UAS
• RQ-21A Blackjack
• MQ-X
2

3. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Family of Systems CONOPS
• Provides the vision of how UAS will support
MAGTF operations in the 2015-2025
timeframe.
• Provides an understanding of USMC’s UAS
operational concepts and capabilities.
• Provides developmental goals and objectives
for the systems’ acquisition community.
• Describes integration of future UAS
capabilities in support of the Marine Corps’
capstone concept, Expeditionary Force 21.
• Desired end state:
• Inform planners at the MAGTF, joint,
and combined levels
• Provide conceptual operational
information for the acquisition
community and industry

4. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Bottom-Up Capability Analogy
4
Company / Battalion
Platoon / Company
Regiment
MEU
Battalion
Regiment / Division
MEU / MEB / MEF
MEB/MEF UAS = General Support Capability = HIMARS
RQ-21 = Direct or General Support Capability = M777
FoSUAS = Organic Capability = 60mm/81mm
Echelon
Size,Portability,Availability

5. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED 5
USMC UAS Mission Sets
X
X X

6. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
SmallUAS
SUAS
SmallTacticalUAS(STUAS)
MEB/MEU
MQ-“X”JCIDS
MEF/MEB
2014 2020 2024
RQ-12A, RQ-11B, RQ-20A (FoSUAS Common Control Architecture) VTOL & LMAM capabilities
IOCMS “C”CPDICD CDDCBA MDD
20182016 2022
STUAS & MQ-‘X’
Common Control Architecture: UMOS/GCS
AAO = 32 Systems
RQ-7B TCDL
RQ-21A
ISR Services
Platform: Engine / Beyond Line of Sight / Launch Weight / Laser Designator
GCS: ICOMC2 / Universal Mission Operation System (UMOS)
Payloads: SIGINT / EW – Cyber / CRP / SRP / SAR – GMTI / Wide Area / Weapons / V-22 Compatibility
CargoUAS
CRUAS
Field User Evaluations MQ-“X”
DARPA S&T Projects (TERN)
JCIDS – Joint Capabilities Integration & Development
System
CBA – Capabilities Based Analysis
ICD – Initial Capabilities Document
MDD – Materiel Development Decision
CDD – Capability Development Document
CPD – Capability Production Document
MS “C” – Milestone C
IOC – Initial Operational Capability
MQ- ‘X’–Future Medium/High Altitude Long Endurance TERN –
Tactical Exploited Reconnaissance Node
ARES – Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System
AACUS – Autonomous Aerial Cargo Utility System
GCS – Ground Control System
SIGINT – Signals Intelligence
EW – Electronic Warfare
CRP – Communications Relay Payload
SRP – Software Reprogrammable Payload
SAR – Synthetic Aperture Radar
GMTI – Ground Moving Target Indicator
VTOL – Vertical Takeoff & Landing
LMAM – Lethal Miniature Aerial Munitions
MS “C”CPDICD CDDCBA MDD
Field User Evaluations CRUAS
DARPA S&T Projects (ARES/AACUS)
USMC UAS FoS Roadmap
(FY15 AVPLAN)

7. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
7
Small UAS Family of Systems
• Based on Small Unit Remote Scouting System
(SURSS) Service ORD (2006 USMC O/O)
• Fielded SURSS systems:
- RQ-20 Puma
- RQ-12 Wasp
- RQ-11B Raven (DDL)
• CBA in progress, ICD is expected to begin staffing
summer of FY15
• UxS Training and Logistics Support Activity (TALSA)
• VTOL/micro systems fielded with MARSOC in late
FY14 (non-POR)
RQ-11B Raven
(Fixed Payload)
RQ-12 Wasp IV
RQ-11B Raven
(Gimbaled Payload)
RQ-20
Puma
MICRO
MEDIUM
LONG
ENDURANCE

8. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
8
SUAS Technology Development Areas
• Capability Gap/ Shortfall
• Lack an organic device or method at the company, platoon, and squad-sized levels to extend an
operator’s situational awareness through, around, or over the obstructions
• The USMC’s current SUAS inventory is exclusively fixed wing, and unable to be rapidly deployed in
terrain dominated by vertical obstacles.
• The USMC’s current SUAS Family of Systems does not include a Nano-UAS; a lightweight system
designed to fit in a cargo pocket or small pouch, capable of immediate (less than 2 min)
deployment and requiring minimal training.
• Current Development Areas
• LMAM TTPs – both air and ground launched
• Nano systems – deployable at the squad level
• VTOL systems – counter IED, platoons in the defense, FOB security, urban ops/building clearance
• Communications / Mesh Networking payloads – self-healing, voice/data to the squad and fire team
• Autonomy – reduced user cognitive workload
• Swarming – capability and mission resiliency
• Air Launched UAS – MAWTS-1 MV-22 prior to LZ insert

9. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Common Controller
• Operate any unmanned aircraft and its payload
and not just that of that single manufacturer
• Facilitate collaboration of unmanned systems as
defined in the Joint Unmanned Systems
Integrated Roadmap
• Enable cooperative levels of control described in
STANAG 4586
• Reduce training and maintenance requirements
associated with multiple systems, and support
unified action of joint military forces
9

10. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED 10
• Capability to precisely target enemy assets
such as snipers and Improvised Explosive
Device (IED) emplacement teams.
• Precisely and accurately engage hard-to-hit
targets while minimizing collateral damage:
⁻ Targets on rooftops
⁻ Inside Buildings (through open windows
/doorways)
⁻ Fleeting Targets – UAS (Counter UAS)
⁻ Defilade positions
⁻ Moving Vehicles
• Potential to use as a counter UAS weapon
and/or launch from larger UAS.
Lethal Miniaturized Aerial
Munitions (LMAMs)

11. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Micro/Nano SUAS
• Airborne binoculars – complete
system fits inside a pocket.
• Small and inaudible – airborne
within one minute and is
reusable or expendable.
• Used by the British during OEF.
• 20 min flight time
• Weighs less than 2 pounds
• 1+ km range
11

12. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
MESH Networking
12
• Similar to cell technology in ability to self-detect, self-heal.
• Nodes span ground, air, and space.
• Scalable nodes to establish intranet/extranet.

13. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Autonomy
13
• Reduces the cognitive workload on
operator
• “Man On the Loop” vs. “Man in the
Loop” for level 3 autonomy feasible
Level Name Description
1 Human Operated A human operator makes all decisions. The system has no autonomous
control of its environment.
2 Human Delegated The vehicle can perform many functions independently of human control
when delegated to do so.
3 Human Supervised The system can perform a wide variety of activities when given top-level
permissions or direction by a human.
4 Fully Autonomous The system receives goals from humans and translates them into tasks to
be performed without human interaction.
Ref. Unmanned Systems Integration Roadmap FY 2011-2036

14. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Swarming
14
• Not necessarily Micro/Nano UAS – can be Group 5 UAS!
• Leverages autonomy and mesh networking for multi mission capabilities
(EMSO, Strike, deception, etc).

15. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Air Launched UAS
• Allows observation below intervening clouds.
• Enables standoff from some surface to air
threats.
• Avoids acoustic detection of manned aircraft by
target.
• Enables observation of multiple points of
interest (friendly forces, critical route coverage,
target disposition, actions on target.
• Quiver of arrows for various sensors or weapons
as required.
15

16. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
RQ-21A Overview
16
• First RQ-21A Blackjack system is set to
deploy in support of the 22nd MEU.
• Scheduled to chop in Jan of 2016
• AAO : 32 Systems
• Flown by VMU squadrons
VMU-2 MCAS Cherry Point, NC
VMU-1 MCAS Yuma, AZ
VMU-3 MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI
• A modular, flexible and multi-mission capable UAS that will provide Regiments and
subordinate commands a dedicated ISR and target acquisition system capable of delivering
intelligence products directly to the tactical commander in real time.
• Payload Capabilities
• Communications Relay
• SIGINT (4Q FY15)
• SAR ( AFRL FY16)

17. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Areas RQ-21A Growth
17
• Communications & Data Relay
• GBSAA
• Multispectral
• Spiral 1 (EO/IR/SAR
Sensor Fusion)
• TNWAS
Cosworth Engine

18. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
GBSAA
18
Operational Description: System uses a self separation algorithm to generate TCAS quality
turn guidance allowing the operator to maneuver the UA freely in the NAS
• Allows free operation in the NAS
• TCAS based separation algorithm (FAA
recognized)
• Limits human error (safety case
advantage)
• Designed to operate in high volume
traffic areas
• 3-D radar capable (ignore high alt
targets)
• Fuses multi-radars (larger op area,
better coverage)
• Includes existing airfield sensor

19. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Wide Area Airborne Surveillance
(WAAS)
• Can persistently monitor a
very large areas.
⁻ Gives the capability of
conducting detailed
analysis and playback
of specific events
within a large area.
• Has been used to counter
Improvised Explosive
Devices (IED), not by
detecting the hidden bombs
but by recording the
activities associated with
them.
19

20. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Tactical Nighttime Wide Area Surveillance
(TNWAS) System
• TNWAS will provide organic capability for day/night
airborne persistent surveillance
• Will stream live video clips to remote video terminals from a
small unmanned aerial vehicle
20
• Area of persistence of 3.8 km diameter
• Effective ground sample distance of
0.55 meters
• Five independent video streams
disseminated to remote video
terminals
• Image quality of IR NIIRS 4.5
• Geo-location accuracy of less than 15
meters (CE90)
• Payload weight less than 35 pounds
• Video stream/image: MISB/MISP 5.5
and National Imagery Transmission
Format compliant

21. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Sensor Fusion
• Multi-sensor data fusion seeks to combine
information from multiple sensors and sources to
achieve inferences that are not feasible from a
single sensor or source.
• Fusion of information from sensors with different
physical characteristics enhances the
understanding of our surroundings and provides
the basis for planning, decision-making, and
control of autonomous and intelligent machines.
• Currently applied to multiple fields such as
pattern recognition, visual enhancement, object
detection, and area surveillance.
⁻ Sensor fusion improves image content and
makes it easier for the user to detect,
recognize, and identify targets while
increasing situational awareness.
21
Sensor fusion of EO/IR Sensors

22. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Communications & Data Relay
• MAGTF success relies heavily upon
communications
• Whether voice or data, the FoUAS
provide an optimal platform to increase
our ability to communicate.
• Top priority because the endurance and
payload capacity make UAS ideal to
provide airborne multi-channel radio
relay for voice and data, as well as an
airborne network node for command
and control of MAGTF forces.
- The persistent nature of the FoUAS is
optimal to facilitate effective
communication
- Airborne relays using UAS must
maintain compatibility with the existing
and planned terrestrial and space
communications infrastructures
22

23. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Multi-Spectral Payload Capabilities
Electro-Optical
(EO)
- Provide a familiar view of a scene.
- Offer system resolution unachievable using other optical systems or in thermal images and radars.
- Is preferred for detailed analysis and measurement.
- Has passive sensors.
Infrared (IR) - Has passive sensors.
- Provides good resolution.
- Provides images in low-light environments.
Synthetic
Aperture Radar
(SAR)
- Supports near continuous coverage even in adverse weather.
- Provides detailed images of large areas.
- Captures photograph-like images.
- Detects changes in the environment.
23

24. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Future Sensors for Consideration
Foliage
Penetration
(FOPEN)
- Typical radars cannot see through foliage.
- FOPEN radars assist in detecting targets under foliage and are typically associated with large UA.
Laser Illuminated
Detection And
Ranging (LIDAR)
- Uses pulses of laser energy similar to radar.
- Can build high resolution, map-like images of an area as well as three-dimensional models.
- Additionally, LIDAR can penetrate foliage (e.g., through gaps in leaves).
24

25. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
MQ-X Capability Requirements
• CR-1. Conduct long range, wide area, persistent air reconnaissance and
surveillance.
• CR-2. Conduct long range, persistent, penetrating, responsive, airborne electro-
magnetic spectrum operations.
• CR-3. Conduct long range, day/night/all weather, persistent, low collateral
damage Offensive Air Support (CAS and DAS)
• CR-4. Support over the horizon, netted and networked, early warning,
identification, cueing and defenseCR-3. Conduct long range, day/night/all
weather, persistent, low collateral damage Offensive Air Support (CAS and DAS)
• CR-5. Provide long range armed aerial escort and support to assault support
missions
• CR-6. Provide long range survivable digitally interoperable network bridge and
communications relay, airborne router, and data management capabilities
25

26. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
MQ-X Platform Technologies
26
• Effective 21st-century warfare requires the ability to conduct
airborne ISR and strike mobile targets anywhere, around the clock
• Seeks to combine the strengths of both land and sea-based
approaches to supporting airborne assets
• Envisions using smaller ships as mobile launch and recovery sites for
medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aircraft (UAVs)
• Would enable on-demand, ship-based unmanned aircraft systems
(UAS) operations without extensive, time-consuming and
irreversible ship modifications
TERN
X-Plane
• Faster VTOL aircraft could shorten mission times and increase the potential for
successful operations, while reducing vulnerability to enemy attack
• Speed: Achieve a top sustained flight speed of 300 kt-400 kt
• Hover efficiency: Raise hover efficiency from 60 percent to at least 75 percent
• Cruise efficiency: Present a more favorable cruise lift-to-drag ratio of at least 10, up
from 5-6
• Useful load capacity: Maintain the ability to perform useful work by carrying a useful
load of at least 40 percent of the vehicle’s projected gross weight of 10,000-12,000
pounds

27. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Emerging UAS Capabilities
• The MQ-X UAS must capitalize on emerging technologies
unlocking greater opportunities for combat effectiveness
⁻ Plug & Play Payloads
⁻ All UAS nodes in the DODIN (Networked)
⁻ Electronic Warfare
⁻ Operating in Non-Permissive Environment-Denied Access (A2AD)
⁻ Long-endurance
⁻ Multi-mission, multi-sensor, multi-spectral
⁻ Increased automation (1 operator/5 missions vice 5 operators/1mission)
10

28. MAGTF Integration DivisionMAGTF Integration Division
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Questions?
28