EYES FOR THE FLEET: TILTROTOR UAVs IN AN INTEGRATED COMBAT SYSTEM

This paper examines the operational benefits that may be realized through fleet introduction of a fully integrated Naval Tiltrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system. A brief description of the Tiltrotor UAV preliminary design concept is presented, along with a status review of the Tiltrotor UAV System (TRUS) study and demonstration program. Operating concepts will be discussed which highlight the responsiveness of the Tiltrotor UAV in meeting the needs for a Naval target identification and acquisition capability in an era of highly sophisticated over-the-horizon (OTH) weapon systems. The authors conclude with an assessment of the need for a fully integrated weapon system development program which combines the development of the air vehicle system with the development of expanded shipboard combat weapon systems management capabilities.