Mq 1cd Eagle Research Paper
1. (U//FOUO) Purpose. To provide an informative summary of the capabilities and limitations of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle allowing commanders to better leverage this asset.
2. (U//FOUO) Background. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle (GE) was developed in late 2005 to fill the Army’s Extended-Range Multi-Purpose (ER/MP) program which called for a medium range unmanned aerial system (UAS) platform able to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as electronic warfare and direct attack missions and replacement for the aging RQ-5 Hunter. General Atomics was awarded the contract and in August 2010, the Army formally named the ER/MP UAS the MQ-1C Gray Eagle. Despite the success of the current version in Afghanistan and Iraq, shifts in combat …show more content…
The Army’s Director of Operational Test and Evaluation has identified several limitations and vulnerabilities that are currently being addressed in the upcoming IGE. One of the most significant, especially in force on force combat, is its vulnerability to cyber and electronic warfare threats. This vulnerability can not only leave the assets inoperable but can allow enemy access to FMV feeds. Several countries may also attempt to ground the asset in an attempt to backward engineer the suite of sensors and capabilities packed into one small package. Another significant finding was a malfunction in engine moisture/pressure sensor causing the GE to warn operators to land as soon as possible, creating mission aborts. This can limit the effectiveness and duration of the system during light to heavy rain conditions. This can drastically affect the commander’s decisions where the asset is an essential part of the collection or protection mission. The final major issue identified is the lack of proficiency among the operator’s fundamentals of reconnaissance, mission planning, and employment of Gray Eagle sensors. Neither the Soldiers in the GE unit nor those requesting support understood the capabilities, limitations, and employment of the SAR/GMTI radar. This can lead to under or improper utilization and mismanagement of the asset. This is especially true of the operators as their ability to sell the capabilities of the GE are almost as important as their ability to execute them. The commander and staff must have a detailed understanding of how to leverage this asset in order to successfully meet the commanders intent and accomplish the mission (DOT&E
2. (U//FOUO) Background. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle (GE) was developed in late 2005 to fill the Army’s Extended-Range Multi-Purpose (ER/MP) program which called for a medium range unmanned aerial system (UAS) platform able to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as electronic warfare and direct attack missions and replacement for the aging RQ-5 Hunter. General Atomics was awarded the contract and in August 2010, the Army formally named the ER/MP UAS the MQ-1C Gray Eagle. Despite the success of the current version in Afghanistan and Iraq, shifts in combat …show more content…
The Army’s Director of Operational Test and Evaluation has identified several limitations and vulnerabilities that are currently being addressed in the upcoming IGE. One of the most significant, especially in force on force combat, is its vulnerability to cyber and electronic warfare threats. This vulnerability can not only leave the assets inoperable but can allow enemy access to FMV feeds. Several countries may also attempt to ground the asset in an attempt to backward engineer the suite of sensors and capabilities packed into one small package. Another significant finding was a malfunction in engine moisture/pressure sensor causing the GE to warn operators to land as soon as possible, creating mission aborts. This can limit the effectiveness and duration of the system during light to heavy rain conditions. This can drastically affect the commander’s decisions where the asset is an essential part of the collection or protection mission. The final major issue identified is the lack of proficiency among the operator’s fundamentals of reconnaissance, mission planning, and employment of Gray Eagle sensors. Neither the Soldiers in the GE unit nor those requesting support understood the capabilities, limitations, and employment of the SAR/GMTI radar. This can lead to under or improper utilization and mismanagement of the asset. This is especially true of the operators as their ability to sell the capabilities of the GE are almost as important as their ability to execute them. The commander and staff must have a detailed understanding of how to leverage this asset in order to successfully meet the commanders intent and accomplish the mission (DOT&E