After a five-contractor team system design phase, Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical (TRA) of San Diego, CA, was selected in May 1995 as the CONV HAE UAV's Phase II development and flight test contractor. TRA will design and fabricate two air vehicles and one HAE common ground segment. Phase II includes an extensive flight and system performance test period to evaluate end-to-end system technical performance and to support initial operational utility assessments. Roll-out of the first air vehicle is planned for 1Q FY97, to be followed by flight tests; operational demo nstrations should begin in early FY98.
Concept of Operations
The bottom line is that the Air Force will embrace UAVs and work to fully exploit their potential, on my watch. We are committed to making UAVs successful contributors to our nation's joint warfighting capability.General Ronald R. Fogleman
Air Force Chief of Staff
July 1995