Aircraft

Army, Oct 2002

The RC-12 configuration carries the Guardrail common sensor system and provides standoff communications intelligence (COMINT), electronics intelligence (ELINT), and intercept and location targeting to enhance corps commanders' warfighting capability In addition, the RC-12 provides national-level targeting information.

The Army's C-20 and C-37 Citation Long-Range/Executive Transport Jets provide global transport and command and control support to senior executives from the Department of the Army staff, commanders and other high-ranking government officials for flights up to 4,200 NM.

The C-23 Sherpa aircraft provides troop and equipment transport, airdrop and medical evacuation for cargo weighing up to 7,820 pounds. Eight of these aircraft are authorized per theater aviation battalion to provide the commander with the essential ability to move troops and equipment rapidly within the theater of operations. The C-23 can also operate from short, unpaved airfields.

The UC-35A Cessna Citation Ultra/UC35B Encore is an efficient medium-range (800-1,800 NM), all-weather airplane that transports commanders and staffs so that they can perform command, liaison, administration and inspection duties. This aircraft is also used for the movement of high-priority personnel and cargo. Eight UC-35s are authorized per theater aviation company. FY 2004 funding supports the purchase of one additional aircraft.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) The Hunter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is a short-range UAV that provides corps and division personnel with reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA) and battle damage assessment (BDA) information in near-real time, day or night.

The Hunter system consists of eight air vehicles (AVs); eight multimission, optronic-stabilized payloads (MOSPs); two ground data terminals (GDTs); two ground control stations (GCSs); one mission planning station (MPS); four remote video terminals (RVTs); and the necessary transportation equipment for the operation and maintenance of the system. The AV is capable of flight at a maximum service ceiling of 15,000 feet mean sea level, and it is equipped with a mode IIIC/IV identification, friend or foe (IFF) device. The AV can operate at a range of 200 kilometers from the GDT/GCS for up to eight hours. It can take off from either an unimproved or improved runway via rolling takeoff.

The Hunter's primary payload is the MOST, which is a TV camera and forwardlooking infrared (FLIR) sensor allowing the AV operator to conduct RSTA and BDA at any time.

During flight operations, communications with the air vehicle are through the ground data terminals. Independent RVTs can be used to download live video images from the vehicle. A mobile maintenance facility (MMF) provides unit-level maintenance for the system.

The system saw initial operational deployment during advanced warfighting exercises at the National Training Center (NTC) in 1996 and subsequent participation in the Army's Task Force XXI exercises in March 1997. A limited Hunter capability currently is deployed with the 111th Military Intelligence Brigade at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., and with the 15th Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas.