The US Navy will gain insight into the technical risks, challenges and operational benefits of developing a new fleet of unmanned carrier-launched surveillance and strike (UCLASS) aircraft through studies contracted recently to Northrop Grumman Corporation and Boeing separately.

The Northrop Grumman nine-month contract, worth approximately $5,00,000, was one of four related contracts awarded by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). Boeing has received a $4,80,000 study contract from the US Navy. Under terms of the study contract, Northrop Grumman will support pre-Milestone A activities including developing concepts of operation for a UCLASS system; defining system design and architecture concepts capable of meeting the Navy’s desired 2018 limited operational capability; and conducting a costschedule-performance analysis of alternative approaches to implementing the proposed UCLASS system.

Under the contract, the company will also help the Navy analyse the relative maturity and near-term availability of UCLASS-relevant technologies; and address system affordability issues by identifying ways to shorten key development, test, and certification timelines.

“The Navy wants UCLASS in the fleet in 2018,” said Jimmy Dodd, vice president, Advanced Boeing Military Aircraft. “Boeing has been delivering carrier-based aircraft to the Navy since 1925. With Boeing’s broad experience in unmanned systems and rapid prototyping, and nearly 90 years of carrier-based aircraft know-how, we are prepared to meet that schedule to support the mission and requirements the Navy establishes. This contract is the start of that.”