USAF Hunter-Killer
A U.S. Air Force tactical UCAV procurement program for endurance and strike.
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The USAF Hunter-Killer was a tactical unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) procurement program initiated by the U.S. Air Force. It sought a less expensive, endurance-focused UCAV solution and attracted proposals from multiple aerospace companies. The program's name derived from an unofficial project designation based on an Aviation Week & Space Technology article, and the term 'Hunter-Killer' had earlier appeared in the 1984 film The Terminator to describe autonomous, twin-ducted fan UAS.
Quick Facts
- Operating altitude
- 10.7 to 15.25 km / 9.48 mi
- Endurance
- 16 to 30 hours or more
- Warload
- 1,360 kg (six 225 kg (496 lb) guided bombs)
- Sensors
- SAR/MTI or EO/IR sensors and laser target designator
- Cost per aircraft
- US$10 million
- Cost per system
- US$30 million (two aircraft and support gear)
- Fielding target
- 2007
Facts from the source article.
Background
The Hunter-Killer program was opened in the summer of 2004 as a short-term UCAV solution emphasizing endurance over stealth. Specifications required an operating altitude of 10.7 to 15.25 km, endurance of 16 to 30 hours or more carrying a warload of 1,360 kg (specifically six 225 kg guided bombs), and fitment of SAR/MTI or EO/IR sensors with a laser target designator. The aircraft would be capable of surveillance or reconnaissance missions alongside its combat role. Cost targets were set at US$10 million per aircraft and US$30 million per system, each system including two aircraft and support gear.
Several companies submitted proposals. Northrop Grumman offered two concepts: the Model 395, a militarized version of the Scaled Composites Proteus in pure UAV configuration with a sensor turret and SAR-MTI pod, capable of carrying six 225 kg munitions or a single 2,270 kg bunker buster; and the Model 396, effectively a half-weight Global Hawk with a 10.7 m wingspan, 7 m length, and 6,800 kg gross weight, powered by a single Pratt & Whitney 545 bizjet turbofan. General Atomics offered the turboprop-powered Predator B. Aurora Flight Sciences and Israel Aircraft Industries jointly offered an armed Heron II.
Lockheed Martin responded but kept details quiet. Boeing did not submit a proposal, citing other UCAW work. Raytheon proposed a sixth option: a package of sensors, communications, and mission systems, with the airframe to be chosen later.
The Air Force intended to field the Hunter-Killer by 2007 and might order up to 60 machines. The program aimed to avoid 'gold plate', with most avionics likely off-the-shelf. Ultimately, the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, a variant of the MQ-1 Predator, won the project and was deployed in Afghanistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly was the USAF Hunter-Killer?
The Hunter-Killer was not a single delivered airframe but a U.S. Air Force procurement initiative seeking a cost-effective, long-endurance unmanned combat air vehicle for tactical strike and surveillance. Multiple aerospace firms submitted proposals, and the program was framed as a far cheaper alternative to manned fighters for persistent combat missions.
What were the Hunter-Killer's key operating specifications?
The program called for an aircraft flying between roughly 10.7 and 15.25 km, sustaining 16 to 30-plus hours aloft, and carrying up to six 225 kg guided munitions for a total warload of about 1,360 kg. Sensor fit included SAR/MTI or EO/IR packages paired with a laser target designator.
How much did the Hunter-Killer program cost?
The target price was roughly US$10 million per airframe and about US$30 million for a complete two-ship system including ground support equipment. That pricing was a central selling point, positioning the UCAV as a dramatically cheaper option than manned tactical aircraft for the same mission set.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: USAF Hunter-Killer (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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