Testing Will Show If Pilots Can Control UAV's From Their
Cockpits
Developmental prototypes of the U.S. Army's next-generation
Block III Apache Attack helicopter tested emerging technologies
which allow pilots to control UAVs and their sensor payloads from
the cockpit of the aircraft during a so-called Limited User Test
(LUT) in November at Yuma Proving Grounds, AZ, service officials
said.
Apache Block III
Through Lockheed's VUIT 2 program, Apache pilots can already
view feeds from nearby UAVs in the cockpit during flight; the
technology is already being used in combat in Iraq. The LUT
represented an effort to advance this technology and give pilots
the ability to control the UAVs' payload and flight path as well,
said Lt. Col. Dan Bailey, program manager for Apache Block III.
"The LUT execution is complete and the data analysis is
on-going. Execution was very successful and met all the objectives
for the test," said Bailey in a written statement. "Manned-unmanned
teaming is the concept of interoperability," he said.
Called the UTA (UAS Tactical Common Data Link Assembly), the new
technology enhances pilots' ability to view and control nearby UAV
assets with a mind to intelligence, targeting information and
overall situational awareness. Army engineers are now building the
software that equips the aircraft with this next-generation
capability. "The onboard Apache Block III software provides the
interface and control functions through a TCDL modem and antenna
assembly," said Bailey.
Utilizing the NATO standard called
STANAG 4586, the aircraft can view and exchange images with other
air and ground assets, Bailey said. "You might go to the different
levels for different operational reasons depending upon what the
tactical environment requires. The VUIT 2 was successful. Now - if
you have the picture and you can control the picture that is much
better."
The next step is preparing reports and documents for a Low Rate
Initial Production Defense Acquisition Board decision in April
2010, Bailey said. Low-rate initial production of the Apache Block
III is slated to begin in 2011.
The Apache Block III aircraft -- which will sustain the Apache
fleet through 2040 --will add a host of new capabilities to the
fleet, including an ability to climb to higher elevations such as
those reached by Chinooks, Bailey said. "If I am able to link
through a UAS but do so at a range several miles longer than my
organic sensors, I can be behind a mountain. The stand-off distance
lets me be at ease in conducting my mission. This reduces the
overall workload and I can see different angles for target
identification," said Bailey.
"The successful LUT was another critical step towards producing
and fielding the next generation Apache. I am very proud of the
team of professionals - across Industry and Government -that worked
hard to make this happen," said COL Shane Openshaw, Project Manager
for Apache Helicopters.