While underway recently in the sea test range of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Point Mugu, Calif., the USS DENVER (LPD 9) successfully commanded the U.S. Navy’s Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle to launch, maneuver, and land for the first time. USS DENVER is an Austin-Class Amphibious Transport Ship supporting the initial ship suitability testing for the U.S. Navy’s newest tactical unmanned aerial vehicle.

The air vehicle took-off and landed at the Naval Base Ventura County. Controlled by a Ground Control Station running the Raytheon developed Tactical Control System (TCS) software onboard the ship, the air vehicle was launched, flew for well over an hour in the vicinity of the ship, and recovered safely ashore.

TCS is the common ground control station architecture for UAVs. TCS provides command and control of UAVs and their payloads, as well as data dissemination to designated C4I systems. TCS will provide the capability to operate different types of UAVs and payloads from a single ground station.

The flight test also demonstrated operation of the Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL), installed aboard the ship for receipt of payload data. The TCDL is the Navy's primary communications link used for the transfer of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance information from airborne platforms to shipboard terminals.

Additionally, this flight exercised the Unmanned Common Automatic Recovery System Version 2 (UCARS-V2). This is the Navy's primary recovery and control system for UAVs operating in the immediate vicinity of a ship. The UCARS-V2 provides precise position information to the air vehicle during shipboard take-offs and landings. This system was designed to provide a near all-weather, day and night capability for UAV operations.

The Fire Scout Vertical Take-off and Landing UAV System is being developed for the U.S. Navy by Northrop Grumman Corporation to be fully autonomous requiring limited operator intervention. The system is designed to provide situational awareness and precision targeting support for the Navy and Marine Corps. The program is managed by the Program Executive Office, Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation (PEO(W)) co-located at the NAVAIR complex in Patuxent River, Maryland.

NAVAIR provides advanced warfare technology through the efforts of a seamless, integrated, worldwide network of aviation technology experts. From professional training to carrier launch and recovery; from sensor data to precision targeting and real-time communications; from aircraft and weapons development to successful deployment and sustainment; NAVAIR provides dominant combat effects and matchless capabilities to the American warfighter.