Taking the Strain Utility Ugvs Become a Reality

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Volume 16 Number 5 October/November 2011

Taking the strain Utility UGVs become a reality

UK MCM TACTICAL ISR GCS CHALLENGE Royal Navy in transition Choosing the right sensor One size fits all? www.UVonline.com UV_OctNov11_IFC.indd 2 23/09/2011 10:56:28 UV_OctNov11_p01_Contents:Layout 1 26/9/11 13:18 Page 1

CONTENTS

Editor 3 Editorial comment Darren Lake. [email protected] As Shephard celebrates its 30th anniversary, +44 1753 727022 CEO Alex Giles examines the integration of Deputy Editor Andrew White. [email protected] unmanned systems into the marketplace +44 1753 727023 over this time. North America Editor Scott R Gourley. [email protected] Staff Reporter News Beth Stevenson. [email protected] 4 Qinetiq studies technology leap for Gazelle Contributors A review of some of the latest developments Claire Apthorp, Gordon Arthur, Adam Baddeley, Pieter Bastiaans, from around the unmanned systems industry. Angus Batey, Rahul Bedi, Peter Donaldson, Denis Fedutinov, José Higuera, William F Owen, 8 Beasts of burden Richard Scott, Tom Withington The US Army has long harboured ambitions of Production Department Manager David Hurst. [email protected] fielding load-carrying UGVs to support troops Sub-editor on the front line. Scott R Gourley catches up Adam Wakeling. [email protected] with Project Workhorse and other efforts. Head of Advertising Sales Mike Wild. [email protected] +44 1753 727007 13 Micro scope 25 Desert campaigns CEO Traditionally, larger unmanned vehicles have A range of relevant requirements determined by Alexander Giles been considered more valuable than their geography, coupled with the perception of available Chairman Nick Prest smaller counterparts, but now it appears that funding, are putting the Middle East market firmly in Subscriptions the potential of the micro-UAV is finally being the sights of UAV manufacturers, finds Angus Batey. Annual rate £65 Tel: +44 1858 438879, Fax: +44 1858 461739 realised, Claire Apthorp finds. [email protected] www.subscription.co.uk/shephard 30 Target down Unmanned Vehicles is published six times 17 Talking sensors As tactical warfare evolves, so must the training per year – in February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, With the vast array of ISR feeds available to systems that prepare forces for action. Peter October/November and December/January – by a soldier in the contemporary operating Donaldson examines current applications of The Shephard Press Ltd, 268 Bath Road, Slough, Berks, SL1 4DX. environment, it is imperative that the relevant unmanned systems in this role. The 2011 US Institutional subscription price is £65. Air freight and mailing in the USA by system is accessible at the right time, reports agent named Air Business, Beth Stevenson. 36 Finding common ground c/o Priority Airfreight NY Ltd, 147-29 182nd Street, Jamaica, NY 11413. Periodical postage Despite calls from users to begin harmonising the paid at Jamaica, NY 11431. US Postmaster: Send address changes to Air Business 22 The coast is clear GCS elements of unmanned systems, a bewildering Ltd/Priority Airfreight NY Ltd, 147-29 182nd Street, Jamaica, NY 11413. The UK is putting an unmanned ‘system of variety still remains, reports Andrew White. Subscription records are maintained at CDS Global, Tower House, Lathkill Street, systems’ at the core of its future Mine Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9EF, UK. Countermeasures, Hydrographic and Patrol 40 Interview Air Business Ltd is acting as mailing agent. Capability programme, Richard Scott discovers. Following a recent integration capability exercise, Articles contained in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the US Army Program Executive Officer for Aviation written permission of the publishers. Front cover: SMSS will deploy to Afghanistan later this year. Maj Gen Tim Crosby spoke with Scott R Gourley © The Shephard Press Ltd, 2011. (Photo: Lockheed Martin) ISSN 1351-3478 about developments in manned-unmanned teaming. DTP Vivid Associates, Sutton, Surrey, UK Print Williams Press, Maidenhead, Berks, UK Subscriptions Shephard’s aerospace and defence publishing portfolio incorporates six titles: Defence Helicopter, Digital Battlespace, Land Warfare International, Military Logistics International, RotorHub and Unmanned Vehicles. The Shephard Press Ltd, Published bi-monthly, all have become respected and renowned for 268 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4DX covering global issues within their respective industry sector. Tel: +44 1753 727001 For more information, including editorial content in the current issues, visit; Fax: +44 1753 727002 shephard.co.uk/magazines.

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Volume 16 Number 5 | October/November 2011 | UNMANNED Vehicles RELIABLE. AFFORDABLE. PROVEN.

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EDITORIAL COMMENT

Standing the test of time

This October, Shephard celebrates its be seeing the coming together of the rotary 30th anniversary. To give some perspective, and UAV worlds, with striking implications for consider that the US Army Chief of Staff in1981 the future. was Gen Edward Meyer, who graduated from Shephard has been proud to report and West Point in 1951 in time to be sent to fight in comment on all these developments, and Korea as a platoon commander, and went on we have striven to keep up with technological to command an airmobile brigade in Vietnam. advances in delivering this intelligence – The current holder of the post, Gen Martin from print to the Internet, and from later Dempsey, was a young captain in 1981 serving this year tablet computing. As you read this with the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in (perhaps on old-fashioned paper), we will Europe, waiting for the Soviet shock armies to have unveiled our brand new website – roll across the inter-German border. He would www.shephardmedia.com – our platform for have to wait a decade before seeing combat in many more exciting developments through Iraq in Gulf War I, and then took his division 2012 and the start of our fourth decade. back to the desert 12 years later. Our newer magazines, Digital Battlespace, Back then, very few people, serving or Land Warfare International and Military otherwise, could have placed the Falkland Logistics International have gathered pace Islands on a map; Saddam Hussein was a much faster than we had anticipated, and Western ally, of sorts; Colonel Gadaffi was the you should not be surprised to see new strong man of Libya; the Soviet invasion of launches from us, sooner rather than later. Afghanistan was two years old; and the Cold Our ongoing objective is to provide War was the be-all and end-all of mainstream Shephard’s unique brand of information defence policy. and reporting across the most important Unmanned systems are a significant portion sectors of the industry globally. of Shephard’s business, and in 1981 the IDF In events, we recognise the shifts in fielded the Scout, its first true UAV – the US global defence procurement, which is was still 14 years away from operating the why we have formed a partnership with Predator. Today, there are tens of thousands of IDYB Group in India, to develop a series of UAVs in service globally. The average person high-level conferences and exhibitions. on the street has at least a vague concept of Alongside these, 2012 will see us launch ‘drones’, and it seems increasingly likely that events in Singapore, Saudi Arabia and by the time we start looking seriously at a beyond. We are always open to new sixth-generation air force, it will be more ideas and opportunities, so never hesitate unmanned than manned. to contact us to discuss how we might The world of helicopters might not have work together. had such a visibly dramatic transformation If you add this to our presence at major in the past three decades – in 1981 the defence shows around the world, you are current backbone of the US fleet, the Chinook, pretty much assured of meeting our team Black Hawk and Apache, were all in service, in some capacity next year. RESPONSE or in the case of the latter on the verge of it. The past 30 years have been ones of But first impressions can be deceptive, and dramatic change in both the strategic Unmanned Vehicles’ editorial team is the current in-service versions of these aircraft landscape and technological advances. always happy to receive comments on are very different creatures from those of the We at Shephard look forward to providing its articles and to hear readers’ views on 1980s. If the current Manned-Unmanned you with the publications, analysis and the issues raised in the magazine. Contact details can be found on p1. Systems Integration Capability programme events to make sense of them. of the US Army proves successful, we will Alex Giles, CEO, Shephard Group

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NEWS

Qinetiq studies technology leap for Gazelle

The company says programme has been slow to emerge. the system would be little However, Howitt believes that an upcoming different to the work being government report on UK ISTAR capability carried out by Northrop on land, in the air and at sea will find maritime Grumman, using Fire Scout ISR capability currently lacking. He is hopeful technology to create the that it could provide the impetus to fund Fire-X VTUAS from the the conversion and flight test programme. Bell 407 civil helicopter. Despite having been earmarked for ‘We believe that retirement three years ago, the Gazelle converting Gazelle remains in service with the British Army on represents a cost-effective training duties and for ISTAR operations in An unmanned Gazelle would have 95% systems commonality with Fire Scout. (Image: Qinetiq) solution to giving the Northern Ireland. A large number of the Royal Navy VTUAS, and platforms are stored awaiting disposal or Qinetiq is hoping to ignite UK MoD interest in if larger numbers were required, we could for alternative uses. Qinetiq said that the VTOL UAVs with an experimental flight convert more aircraft at a relatively low cost,’ conversion of the helicopter would give test programme in conjunction with explained Jeremy Howitt, assistant technical the Royal Navy ‘valuable, early operational Northrop Grumman. director at Qinetiq’s Air Engineering Group. experience with a VTUAS’. The company believes that a rotary-wing He pointed out that the Fire Scout vehicle The company added that it could re-host UAV could help the Royal Navy fill gaps in its management systems are now maturing the system in a more capable airframe as ISTAR coverage left open by the cancellation technologies that are essentially off the part of the MoD’s Future Force 2020 plan. of aircraft such as the Nimrod MRA4. It is shelf, helping reduce development risks even The conversion would take place at MoD proposing the integration of the vehicle further. Any development work to put the Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, which is run management systems developed for the system on the Gazelle would still have 95% and managed by Qinetiq, while the flight Northrop Grumman Fire Scout into a Gazelle commonality with Fire Scout. test work for the demonstrator programme helicopter in order to create a reliable, The Royal Navy has long taken an interest would be conducted at the West Wales UAV cost-effective VTOL UAS (VTUAS) that in the potential use of shipboard UAS, but Centre at Aberporth. could be operated from a ship. a concept technology demonstration By Tony Osborne, London KADDB launches two new unmanned systems Jordan-based King Abdullah II Design and can also be used to look underneath vehicles said that all systems could immediately be Development Bureau (KADDB) launched two to check for threats, and can be controlled made available for orders. new types of unmanned system at the DSEi from up to 300m away. It also includes an The company has also developed a tele- exhibition in London. integrated tilt camera control system. Three operated wheeled UGV that can carry a 70kg Speaking to Unmanned Vehicles on prototypes are to be delivered over the payload, and can be remotely driven at a 15 September, Lt Col Yahya Zweiri, head next two months to potential customers distance of up to 1km. It is six-wheeled and of design and development at KADDB, including the Jordanian police. has an ultrasonic and IR payload, day/night introduced a new family of quad-rotor The VTOL family comes in four sizes, with camera, meteorological sensor and drive UAS, as well as the Mini UGV II wireless the heaviest weighing 4kg, and is suitable for camera, and has obstacle detection and surveillance system. indoor and outdoor use. With an endurance skid-steering capabilities in order to ‘provide The UGV is a throwable, upgraded tracked of some 12 minutes, the systems could be mobility, counter-mobility, reconnaissance variant of the previous wheeled system, and used by the Jordan Armed Forces for and survivability support to formations while absorbs more of the shock of a drop (up to reconnaissance and target identification. providing protection to their own crews’. 4m), with the tracks increasing its mobility. It Speaking to UV at DSEi, a KADDB spokesman By Beth Stevenson, London

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NEWS

On the web

Delayed Watchkeeper MUSIC 2011 highlights manned-unmanned teaming nears deployment 23 September 2011 (Photo: Thales UK) UGCS to be fielded with Shadow and Gray Eagle fleets Thales UK claims that its Watchkeeper UAS describing additional live training that will be 23 September 2011 will be ready for deployment to Afghanistan by conducted from Boscombe Down at the Salisbury the end of the year, despite delays of more than Plain training area. Atlas introduces Cobra 12 months. He added that the first Watchkeeper task line for MCM Speaking to Unmanned Vehicles at DSEi on would be delivered to theatre in December, 16 September 2011 16 September, Nick Miller, business director followed by an additional two in April and three in of ISTAR and UAV systems at the company, October. It is expected that the current in-service Skeldar fuels up for said the first British Army Watchkeeper crews Hermes 450 systems, operating under Operation sea tests were scheduled to begin live-flight training at Lydian, will be phased out by the end of 2012. 15 September 2011 ParcAberporth, Wales in October, following the In September, Watchkeeper made its longest Blue Bear’s shake and iStart culmination of ‘ground school’ training which flight yet, completing a 14-hour trip out to a range 15 September 2011 commenced in May. of 115km, making it the longest sortie in both However, British Army sources told UV that terms of range and endurance, according to Maj UAV training offered for it had originally been hoped Watchkeeper Matt Moore, OC Watchkeeper Implementation civilian applications would deploy to Afghanistan by the end of 2010. Team and SO2 UAS HQ Director Royal Artillery. 14 September 2011 The programme has suffered from various flight Addressing the RPAS Symposium at Shrivenham trial delays, they added. on 8 September, he added that the flight had been Selex develops new ‘The first batch of army operators has finished limited by the extent of land-based radar coverage UAS mission system training and will conduct operational field tests and constraints in the testing programme. 14 September 2011 in October and November,’ said Miller, while By Andrew White and Tony Osborne, London Lockheed Martin readies Desert Hawk for BAE confident of Anglo-French MALE bid US experiment 4 September 2011 BAE Systems considers Telemos, its offering for the According to industry sources, an RfI from Anglo-French MALE UAV requirement alongside the two governments is expected within the next Aero Sekur reveals plans Dassault Aviation, as a ‘strong bid’ in light of how six to 12 months, and the successful system is for new UGV the two countries performed on recent operations expected to achieve initial operational capabilty 14 September 2011 in Libya. by 2018. Speaking at the DSEi exhibition in London on The 19-month procurement of BAE’s Mantis Boeing and John Deere launch UGV 13 September, a BAE representative described how UAV is an example used by the company to 13 September 2011 the two countries were at the forefront of NATO demonstrate the ‘rapid engineering’ that it is duties in Libya, stressing that investment into capable of. Despite using Mantis as the ‘baseline Roke Manor and MLS team technologies in these nations is vital. However, technology’ for the programme, the representative for unmanned EW solution he also pointed out that it is ‘not just about politics, was quick to point out the system offered to the 13 September 2011 it has to be a good system as well’. governments will be a new design compared to The UK has invested so much into BAE Systems’ what has been seen before. Visit UAV development that not recycling the An MoU was signed between the companies www.UVonline.com technology ‘would be madness’, the official argued, in March, and BAE expects to have a prototype for the full stories and adding that both companies were ‘pretty much design within a year of the RfI. latest news. there’ with their design. By Beth Stevenson, London

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AUVSI NEWS

US Army keynotes outline thoughts on unmanned future

Senior US Army officials highlighted a hat expectation that the US armed forces will trick of capabilities at the Unmanned Systems have to find a trillion dollars in efficiencies, Lynch: persistent stare is lacking. North America exposition which could unmanned systems could provide a way (Photo: US DoD) particularly benefit the warfighter. to reduce the workload both on frontline Lt Gen Rick Lynch, Commanding operations and at home bases. ‘What are the considerations for when General US Army Installation Management Finally, Lynch concluded that unmanned we have truly autonomous systems? In Command and Assistant Chief of Staff systems can make the battlefield more order to ensure that fully autonomous for Installation Management, pointed to survivable for warfighters in a number of systems can be integrated within the three basic categories that he viewed as ways. However, he was concerned that the military, it would need to have trust and being important for unmanned systems rollout of systems was not necessarily at the confidence in the systems.’ development in the military arena: speed he would like. ‘If we’re not fielding, Turning to the potential capabilities improved surveillance; reduced we’re failing,’ he stated. ‘I see progress, but that unmanned systems can provide to the workload; and increased survivability not at the pace that we would like.’ warfighter, Davis said that robotics should for the warfighter. Meanwhile, Maj Gen Walter Davis, Deputy enable and replace the human, but that the ‘What’s lacking still today is the ability for a Director of US Army Capabilities Integration user should not have to accommodate the persistent stare,’ explained Lynch. Pointing to Center, US Army Training and Doctrine systems that they utilise. his own experience in Iraq, he added: ‘What I Command (TRADOC), outlined his The tasks that TRADOC believes can did not have was the ability to watch an area organisation’s thoughts on the future of provide the greatest potential gains for with a persistent stare – what I had was UAS, unmanned systems, saying that the ability to the warfighter include logistics, medical, but the problem was I didn’t have sufficient weaponise and humanise robots is no longer security, maintenance and engineering. loiter time.’ science fiction, and the military and society in ‘The key point to be made is that we have to He added that the expected decrease in general need to prepare for that future. ‘We do a good assessment of robotics in relation defence budgets would also improve the need to really consider the moral and ethical to the tasks,’ Davis concluded. prospects for unmanned systems. With the implications,’ he stated. By Darren Lake, Washington, DC US military lines up large UGV purchase The US armed forces are planning to procure they conceded that they had been ‘actively sources saying they expected a some 4,000 UGVs for UORs in Afghanistan, engaged’ in the requirement. Despite specific further evaluation process to take place sources have revealed. mission requirements being unknown, the in October and November. However, Speaking to Unmanned Vehicles, army and USMC are believed to be looking another source described army industry insiders said that a joint urgent for sub-10lb UGVs, although one source said aspirations to begin actual procurement operational needs statement had been that none of the UGVs evaluated had yet of the UGVs in October. released following ‘specific reports’ regarding managed to satisfy all mission requirements. Used by dismounted troops in tactics, techniques and procedures involving It is understood that Qinetiq North Afghanistan, small and micro-UGVs UGVs in Afghanistan. The army’s Joint America’s Dragon Runner, ODF Optronics’ have proven popular for ISR missions as Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Eye Drive, ReconRobotics’ Scout XT, iRobot’s well as counter-IED taskings. They are also Organization is believed to have already 110 FirstLook and Macro USA’s Armadillo thrown over compound walls to provide a undertaken a series of tests on an undisclosed are all in the running, although none of the discreet reconnaissance capability before number of vehicles in August. companies would officially confirm this. gaining entry. Neither the US Army nor Sources added that there was ‘no public The army and marines are looking for a the USMC was available to comment. bidding’ process for the contract, although COTS technology solution, with some By Andrew White, Washington DC

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UV_OctNov11_p07.indd 7 23/09/2011 10:57:48 Tau Ad_UV Mag_fp_0911.indd 1 9/21/11 10:40 AM UV_OctNov11_p08-10_Utility_UGVs:Layout 1 26/9/11 11:22 Page 8

UTILITY UGVs

Beasts of burden

n addition to myriad tactical applications that will transform the army. Its unique infantry squads. Multiple tie-down points and ranging from reconnaissance missions to mobility will enable the vehicle to go removable/foldable side railings will support I counter-IED operations, the past decade everywhere the soldier can go and more. virtually any payload variation. It is suited to has witnessed the emergence of UGVs as It will allow soldiers of the transformed support casualty evacuation needs as well.’ potential utility platforms. army to use technology to do the dull, dirty Subsequent US Army modernisation One early example of this vision was and dangerous jobs of the current forces, strategies eliminated the formal FCS contained in the US Army’s Future Combat freeing them to focus on the success of platform architecture in favour of focusing Systems (FCS) programme, which included their missions.’ on expanding networking capabilities across a Multifunction Utility/Logistics and The 2.2t class MULE was envisioned in brigade combat teams. Part of the redirection Equipment (MULE) platform. three primary roles – transport, air assault included the delivery of a formal ‘stop-work’ and countermine. order on MULE, which was received by PACK ANIMAL The Transport MULE configuration Lockheed Martin in August 2011. Announcing MULE’s selection as a candidate encompassed the tactical ‘utility’ functions. for the FCS system development and According to its developers, it would support FROM THE ASHES demonstration phase in August 2003, operations ‘by providing the volume and However, 11 months prior to that, even developer Lockheed Martin highlighted its payload capacity to carry the equipment as the army was already in the process of UGV as offering ‘an extraordinary capability and supplies to support two dismounted dismantling its FCS components, other

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UTILITY UGVs

corps resupply, ‘follow-me’, casualty volumetric efficiency, utility and modularity An early model SMSS showcases what it can carry. (Photo: Lockheed Martin) evacuation and reconnaissance missions. of soldier-friendly rack mounts, ease of Built on a Polaris MVRS 700 6x6 chassis, loading/unloading, excellent mobility in all the GUSS platforms were outfitted with COTS terrains, and overall size and weight that components, including light detection and enhances the efficiency of overall cargo ranging (LIDAR) technology, EO cameras, an carrying, transportability of the system to inertial navigation system and a drive-by-wire where it is needed, and ability to go with the capability to allow for autonomous operation. dismounted warfighter where he needs to go. ‘Our immediate goal to showcase the GUSS Configuration changes can be made to the technology through experimentation is a racks and tie-downs to accommodate a wide success,’ said Brent Azzarelli, NSWC Dahlgren variety of missions.’ GUSS project manager, after the MCWL’s Additional capabilities sought on the Enhanced Company Operations LOE 4. ‘GUSS notional platform included the ability to is pushing the envelope on small tactical recharge soldiers’ batteries, with the vehicle vehicle autonomy and obstacle avoidance, equipped with between one and six battery and we are optimistic that this technology recharging stations. will bring a capability to the warfighter in the Industry responses to the announcement very near future.’ were to include the company’s ability to meet the technical objectives as well as its RAPID PROGRESS ability ‘to develop and/or provide existing Another significant exploration of utility UGVs technologies to provide the [UGV] for delivery The US Army has long emerged just a month after the conclusion of to Afghanistan and provide a rough order of harboured ambitions of LOE 4, in a September 2010 ‘sources sought’ magnitude price and its anticipated delivery announcement from the US Army Rapid for the solution proposed’. fielding load-carrying Equipping Force (REF). Chartered to provide Subsequent questions and answers UGVs to support troops material solutions in a significantly reduced revealed REF interest in obtaining four UGV on the front line. Scott R timeline compared to traditional DoD platforms for field evaluations in Afghanistan, Gourley catches up with acquisition procedures, REF applies current with a related need for field service Project Workhorse and and emerging technologies in response to representatives for a five-month period. other efforts. requirements generated by operational commanders. SMSS PROTOCOL The September announcement sought Responses to the announcement programmes were stepping forward to to obtain ‘potential solutions to provide a provided the basis for a utility UGV explore the utility contributions of UGVs. [UGV] that lightens the soldier’s load’. exploration that would come to be known For example, examining the ‘The REF believes that there is a critical as ‘Project Workhorse’. contributions and costs of organic UGVs need for lightening the soldier and marine In late June 2011, Lockheed Martin was a key objective of the USMC’s Limited infantryman’s load in combat,’ it read. announced that its Squad Mission Support Objective Experiment (LOE) 4, held in ‘The government requires a surrogate, System (SMSS) had been selected as the conjunction with the 2010 Rim of the Pacific squad-sized unmanned platform, which is single winner of the Project Workhorse exercises from 23 June-1 August 2010. primarily designed to serve as a utility and competition, which had been managed During the event, engineers from the Naval cargo transport for dismounted small through the Robotics Technology Consortium Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren unit operations.’ on behalf of the US Army (see Unmanned Division, a field activity of Naval Sea The announcement described the desired Vehicles, Aug-Sep 2011, p4). Systems Command, teamed with the platform as ‘about the size of a compact car, ‘This will be the first time an autonomous Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) to capable of carrying up to 1,200lb [540kg] of robot has ever been deployed to an evaluate the impact of multiple Ground payload, and designed primarily to serve as a operational theatre and, more importantly, Unmanned Support Surrogate (GUSS) utility and cargo transport for dismounted be operated by and around soldiers,’ vehicles – designed and built by Virginia small unit operations… The UGV should explained Don Nimblett, business Tech students – which support marine have a combination of weight-carrying, cargo development manager for unmanned

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UTILITY UGVs

systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. ‘It will be in their midst. The army’s goal for this deployment is to evaluate how GUSS is pushing the envelope on small tactical vehicle autonomy. (Photo: USMC) autonomous vehicles can support and lighten the burden of deployed troops. ‘Something we have introduced specifically They did an experiment with a Stryker It is also going to showcase our portable for Afghanistan is that the vehicle and the company that had the Nett Warrior suite – it power capability for “on the go” controller will create paths,’ he added. used to be called Land Warrior – that they put electronics recharging.’ ‘Wherever the controller goes with the soldier, on soldiers which gives them advanced Funded by Lockheed Martin as an or wherever the vehicle goes, it will lay out – capabilities to see and communicate. independent R&D project, the SMSS weighs we call it “drop” – but it will basically mark a ‘The only problem with that system is that 1,720kg with a payload capacity of 540kg. GPS location of where it is about every 10 it’s heavily battery-intensive. So we were The current prototype design has a range of or 15 metres along the way. And it will store brought in and as part of an experiment they 200km (running on diesel or JP-8) with control that information so that when you have gave us six battery chargers that we mounted modes including driven, voice, remote/ completed that mission or that particular leg on the vehicle. And during the experiment we tele-operation and supervised autonomy. of your patrol you can save that data, name it, were able to charge simultaneously 56 of their Nimblett pointed to the army’s previous and now you have a known registered path batteries, carry 56 charged batteries, and we testing of SMSS in events like Army that you can send the vehicle back and forth also had enough cargo space left for the Expeditionary Warrior Experiment Spiral E on as you desire.’ soldiers’ rucksacks, ammunition, water, etc.’ (2008), a military utility assessment at Nimblett acknowledged concerns over Fort Benning (2009), a limited user test – some aspects of the Afghanistan deployment. SMSS DEPLOYED portable power at Fort Riley (2010) and Army ‘We do not know the accuracy and the As UV went to press, a group of NCOs from Expeditionary Warrior Experiment Spiral G reliability of the GPS coverage in that the army unit that will deploy with the system (2011). ‘An in-theatre assessment is kind of region,’ he said. ‘We are not able to tap was just completing operator training at the obvious next step in the process of into the military GPS because we are using Lockheed Martin. informing the requirements for the army’s commercial radios – remember this is a Along with the concerns about the future squad-sized unmanned ground prototype vehicle. And secondly we are not quality of GPS coverage, Nimblett noted vehicle development,’ he said. able to obtain highly registered geo-maps. that government evaluators had agreed to Again, we could do that if we were a military ‘manage the expectations’ of the unit that ON THE WARPATH programme but right now we are not, so we would be receiving the four vehicles ‘so that Elaborating on the autonomy aspects of don’t have availability. The point of all that is they understand that they need to think the four SMSS prototypes that will deploy that without good GPS and a geo-registered about where they are going to take the to Afghanistan later this year, he said: ‘On the digital map, the vehicle could be several vehicle and on what mission. Now, this could control you have a map display of the area metres off of where it really thinks it is and be a “tactic, technique and procedure”, but in that you are in. You can, with your finger or quite literally could go off the side of a cliff previous conversations with the army their with a stylus, point to a spot on that map and and not even know it until it hit the ground. thoughts were: “Well, if the vehicle can’t go then order the vehicle to go there. And it will So that is why we have chosen this “create a right with us then we’ll find an alternative find its way to that spot. If you want to give it path” methodology. We think that will work route that we can send it on and it can meet specific points you want it to go to and follow, quite well over there.’ up with us.” you can do that by touching the screen to lay In terms of battery capabilities, Nimblett ‘That is one tactic they have talked about out all of those waypoints. said that the selected charger design, which using. Now, obviously they are going to have ‘You can put the vehicle in a “hide” position, is already in the US Army inventory, will to think about how they do that because if or just leave it somewhere, then go conduct simultaneously charge 14 military batteries. the vehicle trundles off by itself through “bad your mission. And when you finish your ‘We thought that was a good selection,’ guy country” it may become clock parts for mission and want your supplies you can hit he said. ‘If, down the road, they decide they tomorrow. But that’s just a tactic they are a “come to me” button and it will find you want another type that’s in the inventory going to have to deal with and work with. And wherever you have moved to. While it is doing we certainly can accommodate that. That’s that’s part of the experiment – to figure out all of this it will autonomously avoid obstacles not a problem. In fact, one of the experiments how they can use the system and what the and people. And we do have [some] voice we participated in last year was for the demands are for the soldiers who are using command capability. programme manager for Soldier Warrior. the system.’ UV

UNMANNED Vehicles | October/November 2011 | Volume 16 Number 5 www.UVonline.com UV_OctNov11_p11.indd 11 23/09/2011 11:01:49 n a T ional Training and s imulaT ion a ssociaT ion THe world’s largesT modeling & simulaT ion evenT InterservIce/Industry traInIng, I/ITSEC sImulatIon & educatIon conference why I/Itsec? u 19,000 Industry Professionals u over 600 exhibiting companies u 160 technical sessions/tutorials

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MAVs

Micro scope

Traditionally, larger unmanned vehicles have been considered more valuable The Wasp UAV can be than their smaller counterparts, but now it appears that the potential of the managed, operated and maintained by a micro-UAV is finally being realised, as Claire Apthorp finds out. single operator. (Photo: AeroVironment)

he use of UAVs is increasing across of ground troops have little control over continuous data link and miniaturised the military and civil markets as the battlefield picture being transmitted communication system, camera and T the available technology becomes from the aircraft. In contrast, MAVs are stabilised video. With fully automated cheaper and more reliable, bringing quickly deployable and can be sent up in flight with GPS-based inflight waypoint advanced capabilities to a wider range minutes to provide troops with a clearer control, missions can be planned using of applications. In addition to the TUAV, picture of their surroundings in difficult digital map referencing and viewed on MALE and HALE systems that have seen terrain or urban areas. software installed on a laptop GCS. The real- growing success in high-profile operations time two-way data link enables line-of-sight over the past decade, micro-UAVs (MAVs) SHORT-RANGE BENEFITS communications, and with a 40-minute are emerging as a platform with a lot to Within the military market, the short range endurance and 500ft maximum altitude, a offer customers within the civil and military of MAVs makes them very well suited to future where every dismounted soldier is ISR field. smaller infantry units, which need fast access carrying an MAV may not be far away – The UK MoD is believed to be assessing to a real-time picture of their immediate particularly when the potential scale of its need for an MAV system as a fast and area. ‘Based on talks I’ve had with prospective deployment is considered. precise ISR asset to fulfil a capability gap at users within the military, the real potential lies ‘There are relatively few larger UAVs in the the infantry level below that of the Desert within the smaller units who operate within battlefield when compared to small hand- Hawk III small AV. While TUAV and MALE short ranges of up to 5km [and] need on-the- launched micro systems, and the majority UAVs are employed in Afghanistan and spot information,’ Avi Abershitz, manager of of warfighters do not have immediate Iraq to support British troops, these are autonomous systems engineering at IAI, told access to these reconnaissance solutions,’ relatively slow to deploy, and the majority Unmanned Vehicles. Steve Gitlin, VP of marketing strategy and ‘These operators do not carry out ISR in communications at AeroVironment, told UV. the same manner as those with access to ‘So when they need to gain ISR information, larger UAV systems. They need intelligence they either need to send someone into ‘A future where every in the moment, and can’t base their decisions harm’s way to get the information or work dismounted soldier is carrying a on data that was received two or three hours their way up through the chain of command UAV may not be far away.’ ago – these MAVs are the way to provide that.’ to gain access to a larger asset, which may The IAI Mosquito UAV is designed to or may not be available when and where perform in exactly this way, with a they need it.

www.UVonline.com Volume 16 Number 5 | October/November 2011 | UNMANNED Vehicles UV_OctNov11_p13-16_Micro UAVs:Layout 1 26/9/11 11:23 Page 14

MAVs

‘On the other hand, there are literally thousands of these small hand-launched UAVs in the field carried by frontline warfighters, so that when they need to see what is going on around them within a 5-15km range over the next hill or ridgeline, the capability is there and fully within their control.’ The Mosquito UAV provides real-time tactical ISR, and missions can be planned A BETTER PICTURE using digital map referencing. (Photo: IAI) AeroVironment’s smallest UAV system, Wasp III, has been procured by the US Army and you wanted to gain access to computerised USMC. It is carried in warfighters’ backpacks information you had to go to a workstation or on a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled ‘MAVs run at around on a mainframe – today we all have access to Vehicle, assembled and launched by hand to 1-10% the cost of larger instant information in our pocket. This is akin carry out ISR missions of up to 45 minutes, to the direction of small UAV technology in giving the operator a bird’s eye view of the system acquisition.’ terms of being able to access information area of interest via real-time streaming where and when you need it.’ video. Wasp is controlled by a common This individual asset element to the and interoperable GCS that is smaller important factor in AeroVironment’s work MAV market means that there is much than a laptop with full colour monitor within this sector of the market. ‘As these greater scope for adoption than in larger and detachable antenna. The data can be systems become smaller, you get closer to UAV categories, particularly as capabilities accessed by other warfighters on the ground the point where they can be deployed on a increase, size decreases and costs come via their own GCS, as it can also function as universal basis – today our customers are down. The latter is also something that will a remote viewing terminal to see what the deploying the Wasp down to platoon and continue to drive adoption, as MAVs run UAV is transmitting. squad level,’ said Gitlin. at around 1-10% the cost of larger system Wide access to the network is also being ‘The thinking goes, if you can get acquisition. The low operating costs – enhanced by AeroVironment’s digital data something small, light and robust enough, due to their robust, reliable and easy to link, which is being integrated onto all of the you can potentially push the capability maintain and repair nature – are also company’s UAVs. It essentially converts each down lower and lower in the force structure attractive to customers. air vehicle and GCS into an Ethernet hub, to the point where you can get one in every With all the inherent benefits of MAV so any other device with the data link can pocket. And as the digital capability allows platforms, does it stand to reason that the participate in an ad-hoc network that can you to network them together and get that MALE UAV market will eventually disappear, handle thousands of channels of voice information out into the battlefield, it starts leaving space only for inexpensive smaller and video data. to create a very interesting and potentially platforms and high-performing HALE Expanding available information to as compelling set of capabilities.’ aircraft? On this, the experts are divided. many dismounted soldiers as possible is an ‘It’s very unlikely that we’ll see the micro SIZE MATTERS market displace MALE platforms, because According to Gitlin, despite MAVs such each category of UAVs is designed for as the Wasp III fitting within the broader different applications, and it’s likely that UAV market, operators view the systems mission requirements will continue to drive very differently from larger platforms. development in each of these further down While the latter require significant resources the road,’ explained Gitlin. ‘But it’s certainly and manpower to operate, MAVs are a possible that we will see the greatest much more individual asset – they can proliferation in terms of volume in the The box-like structure of typically be operated and maintained by small and micro category.’ the Micro Falcon protects a single soldier. In the other corner, Michael Armon, the payload on landing. ‘Think of it the same way we think about CEO of Innocon, believes that as new, lighter (Photos: Innocon) smartphones,’ said Gitlin. ‘Thirty years ago, if payloads are developed, the requirement

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MAVs

for large MALE systems around 180-400kg significant advantage over fixed-wing will lessen to the point that HALE platforms platforms in these environments. and small aircraft of 40kg and lighter will ‘Only around 20% of ‘Fixed-wing aircraft can spend up to 80% come to dominate the market. mission time is spent searching of mission time searching for their target, ‘We believe that with the Micro Falcon, and only 20% actually working with it,’ Nikita we are nearing a total ISR solution for ground for the target.’ Zakharov, managing director of Zala Aero, troops,’ he said. ‘To overcome limitations of told UV. ‘With the Zala 421-21, we’ve turned range, we have designed the system to those numbers on their head. With this VTOL consist of two aircraft and one GCS. The aircraft and needs protection,’ Armon told UV. platform, only around 20% of mission time aircraft operate in concert, one flying around ‘So when we designed the Micro Falcon, we is spent searching for that target, while the 8-10,000ft, giving an overview of the area focused on creating a system that breaks on remaining time the user is able to work and identifying threats; the other can be landing rarely, with a box-like structure that with the target in the field of view.’ sent in to gain a closer, clearer picture, lands upside down so that the “hit impact” is giving operators a very precise and timely dispersed over the wings without breaking DESIRABLE DESIGN understanding of their environment.’ them, and the winglets also pop out to Zala Aero has sold over 50 421-21 platforms, protect the payload.’ all within the paramilitary and civil market. PAYLOAD PROTECTION There is also significant potential for The appeal of the system comes from its Armon is happy to concede that the the VTOL UAV to make progress within this quiet operational design, which is a particular path to overcoming some of the MAV’s micro market segment. The demand from benefit to customers like the police, where biggest deployment drawbacks has been military and civil customers for systems that noisy platforms in special operations, such as challenging, particularly in the area of are able to take off quickly, fly to the area of hostage situations, are counter-productive. lightweight payloads. With such small interest, hover or land to gather information The aircraft is designed with a six-rotor airframes and an operating scenario that and return is growing, and the technology layout and is able to monitor at an altitude of results in most landings being ‘rough’, the to deliver this capability is becoming 30-3,300ft at a distance of 5km from the GCS. biggest challenge is in protecting this most more prevalent. With fully autonomous operation and a valuable part of the aircraft. VTOL systems are particularly well suited maximum endurance of 45 minutes, the ‘Damage to the payload on landing can to dense areas where obtaining reliable ISR system is able to carry a wide range of make the costs of running the system very from the ground is difficult, such as urban payloads at a weight of up to 0.5kg. high, as this is the most expensive item in the and forested spaces, and they offer a ‘The miniaturisation of payload technology has been a huge driver within this market,’ said Zakharov. ‘Eighteen months ago, we didn’t have any micro-VTOL platforms, and now thanks to the increased reliability of miniature payloads, battery packs and power sources, we expect to see this market continue to grow steadily.’ Fundamentally, the payoff in the MAV category comes down to physics, as mission duration and payload capability are limited by their small size. Currently, a large portion of the payload weight is consumed by carrying the battery, which significantly limits mission time to less than an hour. But as manufacturers continue to make advances in miniaturisation technology, more sophisticated and capable systems will become available that will further push MAV platforms out of the wings and onto VTOL platforms are well suited to dense urban and forested environments. (Photo: Zala Aero) the stage. UV

UNMANNED Vehicles | October/November 2011 | Volume 16 Number 5 www.UVonline.com UV_OctNov11_p17-20_Tactical ISR:Layout 1 26/9/11 11:24 Page 17

TACTICAL ISR

A US marine completes final checks on his RQ-7 Shadow before launch. (Photo: Tony Osborne) Talking sensors

With the vast array of ISR feeds available to a soldier in the contemporary operating environment, it is imperative that the relevant system is accessible at the right time, reports Beth Stevenson.

ather than a mass of different systems The system will be available within the demonstrating that its new architecture collecting their own data and feeding it next two to three years, and will be open, concept is capable of being a third-party R back to a subsequently information- interoperable and able to be integrated on payload provision aboard a UAV. swamped soldier, ISR platforms are now UAVs, as well as podded manned platforms, The Seaspray has ‘a large number of collecting multi-sensor data simultaneously according to Rickett. contracts at hand’, but is only contracted and distributing accordingly to whomever It was also announced that the company’s for integration aboard an aerostat as well as or whatever requires that intelligence. Seaspray 7500E radar will be fitted to a General manned systems, claimed Marlow, before The provision of multiple payloads is Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GAASI) Predator confirming that the Predator trial would be essential in giving a soldier enough choice B UAS for a flight test by the end of the year. the ‘first Seaspray going on a UAV’ that is not to carry out surveillance missions effectively, an airship. He also said that the testing will and with minimal risk to the individual SHOW AND TELL run into next year, and following this there or sub-unit. Steve Marlow, VP of surveillance radar will be the opportunity to demonstrate to For tactical UAV missions, the ISR system campaigns at Selex Galileo, told Unmanned potential customers. needs to be ready for quick deployment in Vehicles that the companies started their joint He also mentioned that there are ‘only order to carry out ‘over the hill’ surveillance, and agreement 12 months ago, and it follows the a handful’ of manufacturers using E-Scan there are a variety of sensors that ensure this. premise that there is a current need to ‘show technology, an area Selex Galileo is active in. Selex Galileo, for example, manufactures and tell’ the user community about systems The company is the only one taking this into several radars, EO/IR sensors and even a in order to gain interest. the tactical surveillance market – a ‘niche’, new concept for open architecture that Both manufacturers have used successful according to Marlow, and the reason why incorporates several types of systems. On laboratory tests as an opportunity to highlight GAASI was interested in the Seaspray. 14 September, the company announced at the benefits of their systems, with Selex Galileo For the USMC deployed in Afghanistan, DSEi in London that it was introducing a new tactical ISR is supplied by the unmanned open-architecture sensor mission system for systems in its UAV squadrons, which fly UAS called SkyISTAR. the RQ-7B Shadow and a handful of Insitu Underlining the importance of plug-and- ‘Multiple payloads are ScanEagles leased to the marines but flown play systems in ISR missions, Mike Rickett, essential in giving a soldier by civilian contractors. head of air systems at Selex Galileo, said: enough choice.’ Marine commanders told UV that they ‘Customers can’t afford to get locked in – generally prefer the latter system because they want total control.’ it is considerably quieter than the older

www.UVonline.com Volume 16 Number 5 | October/November 2011 | UNMANNED Vehicles UV_OctNov11_p17-20_Tactical ISR:Layout 1 26/9/11 11:24 Page 18

TACTICAL ISR

Measures to achieve closer integration include a better hand-off of the radar to the EO, getting it to look in the right places and Insitu’s ScanEagle is deployed on an ISR service basis for surveillance using an EO or IR payload. increasing the power and weight that the air (Photo: Insitu) vehicle can carry.

RQ-7, allowing it to be operated at a lower flying hour in July this year, and can carry PAYLOAD PROVIDER altitude without alerting those it is observing. either an inertially stabilised EO or IR camera. Selex Galileo’s PicoSAR active electronically This gives the UAS the opportunity to ‘[It provides] covert ISR data and can fly scanned array surveillance radar was chosen produce clearer pictures of the area it is low, yet collect high-quality imagery,’ Ryan by L-3 in July as a potential payload for its covering by day or night. The RQ-7 is Hartman, senior VP of business development Spydr ISR package. The two companies are considerably noisier due to its Wankel engine, at Insitu, told UV. building ‘representative demonstration and has to fly at higher altitudes to avoid The company also derived its Integrator equipment’ as part of the partnership, but detection. UAV from the ScanEagle, with the former no money has yet been exchanged. carrying a larger payload, and weighing The system was developed as a result of RELAY RACE around 60kg – some 40kg more than its market research conducted by L-3 that saw Nevertheless, the RQ-7 can be equipped as smaller counterpart. The ‘quiet and stealthy’ customers requiring a radar capability to a communications relay with AN/PRC-152 ScanEagle is deployed on an ISR service basis, complement their EO/IR sensors, and not radios fitted to its wings, and giving with 85-90% of the flight hours milestone necessarily replace them. Conceived in 2005, commanders greater situational awareness done this way, a service that Hartman the Spydr is a compact design that primarily of troop activities beyond line of sight – an described as ‘80% of the ISR at 20% of the price’. enables installation onto a tactical UAV, advantage over the ScanEagle. The RQ-7s Marlow explained that it is now the case although it can also be integrated on light are also fitted with the IAI Tamam POP-300D that customers are requiring closer integration helicopters and small fixed-wing aircraft – its EO/IR sensor that is capable of laser between technologies. ‘What we’re particularly first flight in 2006 was aboard a Eurocopter designation, allowing the UAS to cue seeing is the closer integration of radar and EO. Squirrel helicopter. other platforms onto targets. The UAV market in the round has been good ‘Today, [PicoSAR] has a world-leading SAR Developed in 2001 and first deployed in over recent years, but has fundamentally capability in terms of both resolution and 2004, the ScanEagle reached its 500,000th featured EO.’ image quality,’ Andy Nejman, capability

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TACTICAL ISR

The TacFLIR contains a thermal imager, daylight/low-light TV, laser rangefinder and pointer and an IMU interface for accurate The Seaspray radar is to be fitted aboard a target location. The company is looking at Predator in order to demonstrate its tactical ISR capability. (Photo: Selex Galileo) products for CBRNE detection capabilities on ground systems, and it also provides bomb- manager for radar at Selex Galileo, told UV. is not duplicated from the different detection systems for iRobot UGVs. ‘In terms of tactical ISTAR, it works to NATO sensors, saving time and the volume of data standards so that both its imagery and analysis required. FOLLOWING THE FASHION moving target detection output conform PicoSTAR is currently used for border Strong identified two main trends in ISR to international standards. protection, SAR ground mapping and technology at the moment – the need to put ‘The message we got [from potential ground moving target indication, and future both laser designators and HD technology customers] was that they didn’t want to areas of interest include exploitation of data into almost everything. He explained that ditch their EO/IR payloads because people for SAR entry and testing the system in FLIR Systems covers both of these areas, even like optical images, so this was something different situations. going so far as to grow its own laser crystals. we set alongside it.’ In June, Selex Galileo was also awarded two The company considers the move towards There have been six customers to date, contracts for the system, as well as its E-Scan laser designator necessity as ‘relatively easy’, and UV understands that the first of these technology and training, from King Abdulaziz and ‘in many cases [FLIR systems come] with was European. PicoSAR is installed on a range City for Science and Technology in Saudi a target-locating capability’. of tactical UAVs in deployment, and is the first Arabia. The company is also talking ‘pretty The company’s Star HD range is also the system in this size and weight class to have regularly’ to other potential customers, only multi-sensor product available in which cross-cued EO/IR and radar capability. mainly regarding integration aboard UAVs. everything is HD, and this is made possible by ‘We’ve shown we can cross-cue from one all components being manufactured by FLIR. sensor to the other,’ explained Nejman. ‘We A DIFFERENT APPROACH It produces the smaller Star Safire HD pitched the radar to give you a long enough EO/IR technology does not come without system, which has a 9in diameter gimbal that range to stand off, so you can do covert its challenges, and the USN released its Wide is designed for medium-sized, shorter-range surveillance, but at the same time within Area Radio Frequency Surveillance request platforms. In February, it was announced that the power constraints of the platform.’ in December 2010 in order to procure an the Star HD was to be integrated onto the The radar is available as a standalone alternative approach. The Office of Naval Predator UAS, and it is currently on systems purchase, or to go alongside a customer’s Research (ONR) introduced the programme in such as Northrop Grumman’s Fire Scout. current EO/IR system. Selex Galileo added order to develop ‘innovative’ sensor concepts, However, Strong pointed out that a problem that it could also offer the whole integrated architecture and hardware for improving ISR with HD is making sure the correct amount package under its PicoSTAR concept. With by providing all-weather wide-area persistent and type of data links are available in order an integrated product, the same information surveillance of an operational area. to handle the technology. According to the ONR: ‘Critical to a AeroVironment’s Raven, flown by successful solution is an all-weather, day-night the US Army, also contains FLIR’s 7in Cobalt approach for use when EO techniques are 190 payload. With some 10,000 platforms ineffective.’ Full proposals were due in May deployed, at the smaller end of the market, this year, and contracts are yet to be awarded. FLIR has not yet incorporated HD technology Priding itself on producing multi-sensor on this product but it ‘certainly can and will’. systems for multiple platforms, FLIR Systems As for the future, Strong stressed offers an ISR system for UGVs in the form of how short-wave IR would be an area of its TacFLIR. ‘ISR in one traditional sense is significance, telling UV that FLIR would be imaging, but the whole ISR capability can announcing relevant new technology for extend to other platforms,’ David Strong, VP ‘operational systems’ at the Association of The US Army’s Raven is fitted with FLIR of marketing for government systems at the the US Army exposition in Washington DC Systems’ Cobalt 190 payload, with some company, told UV. ‘We can put our sensors on in October. UV 10,000 platforms deployed. any platform of interest. When developing a (Photo: UV photo library) product we have all those platforms in mind.’ Additional reporting by Tony Osborne

UNMANNED Vehicles | October/November 2011 | Volume 16 Number 5 www.UVonline.com Take it for a test flight.

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MINE COUNTERMEASURES

The UK is putting an unmanned ‘system of systems’ at the core of its future Mine Countermeasures, Hydrographic and Patrol Capability programme, Richard Scott discovers. The coast is clear

istorically, the UK Royal Navy (RN) has ‘mother ships’ that will loiter far outside the system of systems, enabling true end-to-end been regarded as one of the leading mine danger area (around 55km or ‘over the delivery of surveillance, sweeping and mine Hpractitioners of maritime mine horizon’), relying on sensors and effectors disposal. That means proving the system countermeasures (MCM). Recent operations carried forward by autonomous unmanned function and architecture, and also solving off Libya – where HMS Brocklesbury and platforms to pinpoint and, where necessary, long-running engineering and mechanical latterly HMS Bangor have been tasked to keep neutralise mine-like objects. handling issues such as the safe, efficient the port of Misratah open to humanitarian However, MoD capability managers are launch and recovery of AUVs. The overarching shipping – and the continued presence of a treading carefully at this stage – while tenet is to try to minimise the exposure of the high-readiness MCM force in the Gulf have autonomous robotic systems are already man to the mine threat, but there will remain shown why the service places such a high beginning to enter service, there remains areas where the technology does not deliver – premium on this capability. much work to be done to advance technology we will still need the unique skills and dexterity MCM was an area that came out essentially and system maturity. of the clearance diver.’ unscathed from last year’s Strategic Defence ‘It’s early days,’ conceded Cdre Simon Kings, and Security Review. Indeed, it reaffirmed the head of above water capability (CapAW) in the INFORMED UNDERSTANDING intention to pursue ‘a replacement [MCM] MoD. ‘We began the concept phase in April The evolving MHPC strategy is being informed programme, which will have the flexibility to 2010, and plan to move into the assessment by the RN’s initial experience with unmanned be used for other roles such as hydrography phase in approximately 18 months time. Our MCM systems, and a series of capability and or offshore patrol’. work for the next few years will be all about technology demonstration activities. A first This next generation ‘system of systems’ proving what is deliverable in technology step occurred in 2004 when two Hydroid was initially known as the Future Mine terms, and then establishing a programme Remote Environmental Measuring UnitS Countermeasures Capability (FMCMC). to deliver it. (REMUS) 100 vehicles were acquired by However, in 2009 FMCMC and its $2.2 billion Qinetiq to support a Very Shallow Water UUV budget was subsumed into a broader Mine research effort. A further ten systems were Countermeasures, Hydrographic and Patrol ‘Operations will be conducted subsequently purchased, and 12 vehicles Capability (MHPC) programme that takes a are now employed by the fleet UUV unit and fleet-wide perspective on the replacement of from larger, non-specialist two fleet diving teams as a matter of routine. the RN’s legacy MCM, survey and patrol ships. “mother ships”.’ Hydroid’s REMUS was accepted into Intrinsic to this is the long-term goal of a new service in 2009 as the basis for the service’s common minor war vessel equipped with Recce UUV requirement. ‘This has been modular mission packages, building on the ‘We are, in the first instance, going to deliver designed as a self-contained portable so-called C3 concept (an ocean-capable patrol an unmanned capability from our existing system,’ said Atkinson. ‘So while we plan to vessel) identified by the MoD’s Sustained Hunt class vessels. What is important is that we deploy [it] from the Hunt class in the main, Surface Combatant Capability study in 2007. prove the capability of off-board sensors and the system could also be embarked from a flexible mission packages while we still have craft of opportunity or a jetty.’ THE MOTHER SHIP our glass-reinforced plastic [GRP] ships, so that Three capability concept demonstrator In common with their various European we can show they work while we are still in a (CCD) programmes are feeding into counterparts, the UK MoD and RN are position [with low-signature vessels] MHPC. ‘The FAST [Flexible Agile Sweeping looking to transition to a future off-board to go into the minefield if needs be. We must Technology] demonstrator is continuing trials,’ MCM construct. The objective is to get the take a phased approach: first proving off- he explained. ‘Developed by Atlas Elektronik man out of the minefield, and in the process board; then from outside the minefield; and UK and ITT, the programme is demonstrating make today’s highly specialised, low-signature then migrating to a new platform.’ the technical maturity of a new influence MCM craft redundant. Instead, operations will Cdr Mark Atkinson, CapAW’s SO1 mine minesweeping capability using a remotely be conducted from larger, non-specialist warfare, said: ‘What we want is an [MCM] controlled USV.

UNMANNED Vehicles | October/November 2011 | Volume 16 Number 5 www.UVonline.com UV_OctNov11_p22-24_UK_MCM:Layout 1 26/9/11 11:24 Page 23

MINE COUNTERMEASURES

end-to-end that is at the heart of what we Atlas Elektronik UK’s FAST want to do.’ USV demonstrator craft seen A fourth demonstrator effort that will configured with a Seafox expendable mine neutraliser. inform the MHPC programme is the planned (Photo: Atlas Elektronik UK) Tactical Maritime Unmanned Air System CCD. ‘We are not, as of today, investing in ‘We are maturing the technology to a Atkinson. ‘It has looked at how we can this technology specifically for MCM,’ pointed point where it could be transitioned to reduce the risk to the clearance diver in out Atkinson. ‘We are asking whether a UAV an operational system. Our intention from tasks such as hull and jetty search and may have a role in mine surveillance or as a the outset has been that this should be counter-IED operations.’ communications relay.’ deployable from the existing Hunt class, As well as the systems themselves, the but would ultimately form part of the MHPC AUTONOMOUS SOLUTIONS MHPC programme must also take heed of system of systems.’ Finally, a system-of-systems CCD was due the enabling C3 infrastructure. ‘Networking, Atlas has also led the Littoral Unmanned to demonstrate in September 2011. ‘This bandwidth and security are certainly big Underwater Vehicle (LUUV) CCD in activity, again led by Atlas, will address the issues,’ he said. ‘There is a lot of work going conjunction with Hydroid, Babcock and full functional chain using remote control into through-water and RF communications, SeeByte. ‘LUUV has sought to explore how a or fully autonomous systems launched from SATCOM, the potential applicability of small UUV can work in the very difficult and the FAST platform,’ he explained. ‘It is this UAVs [as relays] and mast height [to extend dangerous harbour environment,’ said capability to tie the whole system together network coverage].’

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MINE COUNTERMEASURES

Hydroid’s REMUS 100 was accepted into service in 2009. (Photo: Kongsberg)

The original MHPC planning assumption off-board systems, including a FAST-type 18-24kt range [overcoming the speed of was for a replacement platform entering remote minesweep. advance constraints associated with current- service from 2023. ‘We’re now pushing that ‘The current plan is to perform an generation vessels] with space for 16 to 21 some years right, and will instead look to operational demonstration on a Hunt class mission packages – these would be standard extend the life of the current Hunt class and platform in the 2013-15 timeframe. This same air-portable ISO type units.’ adapt them to accommodate new unmanned period will also see procurement activity for Last year, the MoD-led Naval Design equipment modules,’ explained Atkinson. ‘The next-generation UUV and USV systems. We Partnering team began initial studies to key point here is that these packages must not would be looking at investing in the first examine MHPC platform options. ‘We are at a impact on the Hunt ship signature, which fully fledged mission systems by the end of very early stage of conceptual thinking, so would by default compromise core capability.’ 2016 to begin fitting the Hunt class in the their brief has been to examine platform A life extension for the Hunt class is 2018-19 timeframe.’ design aspects in an essentially unbounded regarded as low risk. It is already the subject way,’ he explained. ‘But it is the system-of- of a re-engining programme, and the GRP FUTURE OPTIONS systems challenge that remains the key hull has many years of life left in it. A future platform remains a way off. ‘Our nut to crack. Furthermore, the general arrangement current planning assumption is a class ‘We are making sure that, with each of the ship lends itself to aft reconfiguration. of eight 90m steel-hull vessels for MCM component, we have a fallback position based ‘You are talking about a good size working operations, and a further two similar ships on proven systems should technology prove area on the back of a Hunt,’ he added. for the hydrographic role, said Atkinson. ‘The unable to deliver. What we don’t want to do is ‘That offers space to embark a range of platform would be capable of a speed in the end up with a hull with nothing in it.’ UV

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REGIONAL FOCUS

Desert campaigns

A range of relevant requirements determined by geography, coupled with the perception of available funding, are putting the Middle East market firmly in the sights of UAV manufacturers, finds Angus Batey.

s global financial turmoil continues pointed out a fourth benefit of doing business and nations look to trim defence in the region. ‘I don’t care whether it’s China, A budgets, the development of new the UK or the US, everyone knows [the Middle markets for UAS manufacturers becomes an East] is an important part of the world, and ever more urgent task. So the emergence of they want to engage,’ he said. ‘And selling a region ripe for business ought to be very military products, either off the shelf or in welcome indeed. collaboration, remains a great way to The Middle East has a range of military establish and maintain a relationship.’ and civilian security requirements for which Beyond the obvious defence applications, UAVs seem perfectly suited, and many of countries in the Middle East are looking at General Atomics sees strong opportunities its nations have oil-derived revenues that unmanned aircraft for a number of civil in the Middle East and offers the Predator remain relatively impervious to the prevailing requirements too. Long, remote and often XP for export. (Images: GAASI/via author) economic winds. Yet while the opportunities ill-defined borders can be more easily the region presents are obvious, so too are patrolled and secured by automated aerial suddenly something that can be bought. And the challenges. surveillance platforms than by other means, it’s not that it wasn’t on the market before, but while many nations in the region heavily there’s been that combination of increased FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS dependent on oil revenues have a clear accessibility and affordability, and a wider ‘I think the attractiveness of the region is incentive to find a cost-effective and robust perception of its viability.’ they want the technology, they have the means of checking the integrity of their miles money and they’re prepared to move quite of pipelines and other vital infrastructure. FOUR-TIER MARKET quickly,’ said Neil Hunter, managing director ‘There’s a lot of things that UAVs work Industry sources seem to be in accord that the at Schiebel. really well for in the region,’ said Nate Hughes, regional market place breaks down into four The Austrian company has found success in director of military analysis at geopolitical distinct groups. In the top tier of sophisticated the Middle East with its VTOL UAS, Camcopter, intelligence company Stratfor. ‘You’ve got customers are the UAE and Saudi Arabia; which it has sold to both the UAE and Jordan. these long, undefended – sometimes behind them come nations like Tunisia and ‘We were able to go from first discussions to undefined – borders. Saudi [Arabia] didn’t Egypt which appear to be in transition; off to contract [in Jordan] in just over a year,’ Hunter even have a defined border with Yemen one side sit Israel and Turkey, countries with said, ‘which, when you’re selling military and Oman until very recently. advanced militaries and Western political products, is a pretty good timeline.’ ‘Being able to have longer-endurance alignments (but both are special cases); and ‘They have the money, they have the vehicles that can loiter and keep an eye on then there’s everyone else. requirement and they have the interest,’ things is very useful, and it’s the same with all ‘In Egypt, the military regime remains in agreed Alan Colegrove, VP of international the infrastructure in the Gulf. It’s not that these place, despite what the West likes to think programmes for AAI, who additionally problems didn’t exist before; it’s that this is about the Arab Spring, so you’ve got the

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REGIONAL FOCUS

same people making the same procurement struck between the financial and PR bottom decisions,’ said Hughes. ‘Syria, Libya – these lines – regimes can fall in and out of favour places are a bit more tricky. Libya may take ‘Despite the Arab Spring, you’ve with the West, and there is a risk that years to settle out, but when it does there’s no still got the same people making expensively manufactured products, lawfully doubt that the European defence contractors sold to a Middle Eastern nation, could end are looking hungrily at that market and will be the procurement decisions.’ up sitting on a loading dock after political vying to get in there before their competitors.’ changes occur that are beyond the control ‘The other country I think should be talked of the selling company. Just as problematic about is Iraq,’ said Hunter. ‘It’s got massive Sometimes you can see if there are mines is dealing with the ramifications of justifying challenges as it rebuilds, and they still have under the surface – if they’re not too deep a completed sale to a country that lots of security issues, but Iraq has a lot of they heat up in the sun and have an IR subsequently attracts intense and money. Where [Schiebel] is focusing on in signature in the day, and vice versa at night.’ negative public attention. Iraq is landmines. For Schiebel these questions went ‘Of course, it’s boots on the ground that BALANCING ACT from being academic to unavoidably clear mines, but there’s a lot of mapping and But all the attractive possibilities come pertinent earlier this year, when the surveillance that can be done from the air. You with significant caveats, and nowhere is this Austrian government responded to the Arab could use a manned platform, but it’s a very more apparent than in the delicate political Spring uprisings by suspending all defence boring, mundane flying task, so why not take calculations needed to successfully do equipment licences with nations in the region. a UAV with a very good EO/IR camera? business in the region. A balance has to be ‘As a small company, that was a big issue for

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REGIONAL FOCUS

choose where we should go – in a way we can’t afford to – but we only go where we can get an export licence.’

Schiebel has sold Camcopters to Jordan, the UAE (illustrated) and – problematically – Libya. LICENCE TO SELL (Photo: Schiebel) Licence questions are even more crucial for us,’ said Hunter. ‘We worked hard to get those ‘A politician in the Green Party stood up companies that manufacture larger UAS. For [restrictions] relaxed, and of course they have and said: “We should pay some attention to bigger vehicles, the Wassenaar Arrangement been relaxed again. But yes, if you’re working Schiebel because they have sold UAVs that are and, for US companies, ITAR (International in parts of the world that carry more turmoil used to kill people in Libya,”’ Hunter said. ‘He Traffic in Arms Regulations) apply because than others, it has an effect. Libya is a really was of course wrong, but we had to waste a the aircraft are treated under the same rules good example.’ lot of time and energy proving he was wrong. as missiles. This further limits the potential In 2008, Schiebel sold its Camcopter to ‘You do take risks in working in these parts market, but offers a measure of clarity and Libya after successfully applying for an export of the world, where not everybody thinks you political reassurance. licence from the Austrian government. But should be going,’ he continued. ‘But we have a ‘The sale of these aircraft is not a the entirely legal sale became a public simple philosophy here – our job is to sell our determination, ultimately, of a company,’ said relations issue earlier this year, after the UAV, and as long as we can get an export Christopher Ames, director of international rebellion against the Gaddafi regime licence from the Austrian authorities then we strategic development at General Atomics. ‘It’s became front-page news. will target that country. We do not pick and a determination of the US government,

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REGIONAL FOCUS

because they must approve the sale. So, fortunately, we fall under the rubric of FMS regulations, and therefore under the wisdom of the US government as it surveys the broader international strategic view.’ What seems like a limitation actually becomes a help to companies like General Atomics, whose Predator system is in high demand in the AAI, manufacturer of the Shadow 200, aims to cultivate local industrial partners. (Photo: AAI) region. (A representative of another UAS manufacturer, speaking on condition of export models has helped them gain access they’d got it,’ said Hunter. ‘But now I think they anonymity, said that potential UAS customers to Middle Eastern markets. Selling what might recognise that they need to bring jobs into ‘almost always walk in and say: “We want a appear to be a lesser iteration of a system in that part of the world and they need to create Predator.” It’s the one name that CNN and use elsewhere in more capable form is less of their own revenue. And I think that’s a good al-Jazeera has said so many times that a challenge than it seems, not just to General thing. Achieving their offset requirements everyone knows it. I wish I had that name!’) Atomics with its high brand recognition, but makes it a bit more difficult for companies Ames added: ‘We’re prudent in our to other manufacturers who have had to like us, but it shows that the Middle East is a approach, we’re realistic, and as a first step in develop export models too. maturing market because they now recognise the region we look to coalition partners and A source within the UAS industry who that they have to play a part, rather than just allies of the US who have proven themselves wished to remain unidentified said: ‘Everyone rely on the Europeans or the Americans.’ in combined action with us.’ General Atomics wants the iPad 2, but iPad 1’s still pretty has not yet sold to a Middle Eastern nation, damn good. If customers will step back DETERMINING PROVENANCE but in February announced that it had signed from the emotion and tell us the specific And yet within this very concept lies perhaps an MoU with the UAE with a view to Predator operational, technical need that they have, the key dilemma for Western companies – sales there – Ames told Unmanned Vehicles you often find that what you can provide and, indeed, for Western governments and that the relationship is ‘progressing nicely’. meets the need. And, typically, all of us [UAS the non-proliferation treaties they seek to manufacturers] are offering about the same keep in place. The need for UAS is proven and EXPORT PREDATOR level of technology.’ it will be met – the question is, by whom? But even to get to this stage has taken a Another area where western companies ‘You’re really getting to the point where considerable amount of time, effort and are finding both opportunities and challenges the technology’s diffuse enough so that patience. The manufacturer is only able to is in the increasingly important business of most countries in the world can find a offer Predator in a special export configuration offset. ‘The larger markets in the region are supplier, if they decide they want it,’ Hughes – designated Predator XP – which is a moving from a “we buy it” paradigm to said. ‘Accessibility, technical feasibility and Category Two aircraft under the Missile “we want a collaborative programme”,’ affordability are all coming down. [In the US], Technology Control Regime while the said Colegrove. hobbyists are taking cameras and GPS standard Predator A, as operated by the ‘That involves more infrastructure. It’s receivers out of cellphones and having USAF, is in Category One. one thing to put a marketing guy on it and remotely piloted vehicles fly autonomous Although unwilling to be drawn on specific send him over there eight or ten times a flight paths. differences between the two models, Ames year meeting people. It’s another thing to ‘You’ve already got countries like Iran explained that ‘the Predator XP still has the send a small team over repeatedly to identify building those sorts of things indigenously. max altitude of 25,000ft, an endurance un- industrial partners, start cultivating them, If you combine them with readily available refuelled of 40hrs airborne and a speed of invest in capital equipment and start laying technology the whole battlefield starts to 120kts. The difference is that it is not capable out a whole long-term, long-view programme change. We saw Hezbollah in 2006 using of carrying payload across its wings. So it is a that may involve expats in-country.’ these sorts of technologies as guided missiles. non-weaponised version.’ ‘I think in the past [Middle Eastern Iran has enough aerospace expertise to begin Other manufacturers have found that nations] were happy to buy kit from Europe to build those on a larger scale, so they don’t creating subtly but significantly different or America, put it in their back garden and say need anybody else.’ UV

UNMANNED Vehicles | October/November 2011 | Volume 16 Number 5 www.UVonline.com Real-time delivery www.schiebel.net

Convoy Protection Surveillance Harbour Patrol Search and Rescue Anti Piracy Aerial Mapping ISTAR

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TRAINING SYSTEMS Target down

As tactical warfare evolves, so must the training systems that prepare forces for action. Peter Donaldson examines current applications of unmanned systems in this role.

espite advances in virtual training, live The system performed successfully in and simulators under the USMC Systems fire remains essential, and unmanned a series of demonstrations this summer, Command programme manager for training D vehicles have a long history in the beginning with the USMC Infantry Weapons systems. ‘This is something we’ve been target role. On land, the latest systems Officer Course (IWOC) in Quantico, Virginia, in working on for a long time, but the mimic insurgents and suicide bombers. At June. On the IWOC, the targets completed technology was hard to come by.’ sea, asymmetric threats from pirates, swarms several scenarios in an urban setting with of small boats and potential suicide attackers cover, according to USMC Systems Command. II GETTING TECHNICAL on personal watercraft also have to be In the first, a single target would emerge from With the rise of ‘technicals’ on the battlefield simulated, as do high-tech threats such behind a wall to be shot at, indicating a hit by comes the need to simulate them accurately as the latest generation of ballistic, cruise dropping – the torso pivots on the base – and on ranges. In June 2009, the USN completed and sea-skimming missiles. stopping briefly before resetting and moving a requirements study for the replacement back to cover. This was followed by scenarios of its QLT-1C Moving Land Target (MLT), and II IMPERSONATING HUMANS in which marines had to shoot all the targets released an RfP in May 2010. In April 2011, Humans are the hardest threats to before they could regain cover, says the Naval Air Systems Command selected Kairos replicate convincingly. Australian company USMC. The final setup involved three Autonomi to provide commercially available Marathon Targets’ solution involves mounting hostage-takers and one hostage. kits and vehicles, which can be operated as mannequins on armoured Segway UGVs ‘We need to do better at training marines autonomous UGVs on tactical training ranges to create its Robotic Moving Target System to hit moving targets because the enemy by navy pilots. (R-MTS). In service with the Australian very rarely is courteous enough to stand still,’ The contract covers new or used vehicles, Defence Force, the company’s smart targets said Lt Col Walt Yates, assistant programme C2 equipment and conversion kits. It also are designed to look, move and behave manager of range training aids, devices includes ground stations, technical and like people. Operators can program them to execute complex pre-planned scenarios in which they move unpredictably, work as a team using networked communications and avoid obstacles. According to the company, when one of the robots is ‘killed’, the others can scatter for cover. One operator can monitor ‘dozens’ of targets. R-MTS targets come in two variants – the 180kg T20 built on a two-wheeled Segway Robotic Military Platform (RMP) and the 235kg T40 on a four-wheeled Segway RMP 400, The BQM-167 provides a threat-representative target for the Air Force Weapon System Evaluation Program. (Photo: USAF) which has greater off-road capabilities.

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TRAINING SYSTEMS

Orbital Sciences’ Coyote is a supersonic target that can mimic both sea-skimming and high-diving anti-ship missiles. It has exceeded Mach 3.3 during tests. (Photo: USN)

logistics support, engineering, integration and area,’ he said. ‘Software exists today that can acceptance testing and any required software provide vehicle deconfliction and obstacle changes. The target vehicles will also be able avoidance within a controlled area at a to tow trailers or sleds. cost-effective price because all of the Compatible with the Joint Architecture for stationary and moving obstacles are known.’ Unmanned Systems communication protocol, However, the realities of target Kairos’s 23kg Pronto4 appliqué kit will be operations also set their own limits. ‘More used, providing both semi-autonomous and complex manoeuvres, such as evasive driving tele-operation. The company describes it as based on incoming fire, are also possible, but an ‘agnostic autonomy system for existing the driving factor with targets will always be vehicles or vessels’. cost,’ explained Takach. ‘Robotic target vehicles According to Kairos, with Pronto4 have a high destruction risk, and programme installed the vehicle becomes optionally managers continue to balance training unmanned. All the normal manual driving requirements with budget constraints.’ controls are retained, and if a human driver In a related development, mesh is behind the wheel when the vehicle is communications network provider Rajant under the command of a remote operator announced in July that it would provide or local computer, tapping the foot brake will 60 BreadCrumb LX3 wireless transceivers return control. as part of Kairos’s MLT contract. They will be The system is designed to be ‘minimally used to control the vehicles, while providing invasive’ to the vehicle, so that Pronto4’s infrastructure for transmitting video from the mechatronics make maximum use of existing vehicles to the control stations. A network of controls. The kit is compatible with third-party 18 ground control and relay stations will control programs as well as the company’s cover the MLT operations area. own ProntoMimic software. Rajant describes the BreadCrumb LX3 as a rugged multi-radio transceiver that forms II CONFINED FREEDOM a mesh network with other BreadCrumb Operation on target ranges, perhaps ironically, devices. A portable wireless mesh node, it provides more freedom to use autonomous contains two radios and supports secure systems than the real world does, as Troy connectivity with any Ethernet or 802.11 Takach, Kairos’s president and CEO, explained. a/b/g client equipment, says the company, ‘The key to utilising increasingly higher levels ensuring full compatibility with millions of off- of autonomy and automation with robotic the-shelf devices including laptops, PDAs, IP target vehicles is operation in a controlled cameras, sensors and voice-over-IP phones. ®

www.UVonline.com Volume 16 Number 5 | October/November 2011 | UNMANNED Vehicles During the past 25 years the Banshee aerial target has become the industry standard in affordable aerial targetry for surface-to-air and air-to-air, weapon systems. But now it’s just got faster

The latest Banshee derivative now has a jet engine but it retains all of the attributes of earlier Banshee targets such as:

Patented Hot Nose, Black Body IR enhancement. Passive and Active Radar Augmentation. IR and Radar Countermeasure Dispensers. Acoustic and Doppler Radar MDI Scoring Systems. Low Level, Sea Skimming capability

but most importantly it now has a maximum speed in excess of 260 Knots (Straight and Level flight, Sea level, ISA)

Meggitt Defence Systems Ltd Tel: + 44 (0) 1233 505600 The Boulevard, Orbital Park, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0GA, UK Fax: + 44 (0) 1233 503707 www.meggittdefenceuk.com

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TRAINING SYSTEMS

The technology is widely used in weapons, small arms fire and shrapnel, military and mining applications, according although a direct hit from many of the heavy to Rajant’s co-founder and CEO Robert Marathon’s Robotic Moving Target System weapons would destroy it. As it does not rely ‘Tali-bots’ placed on Segway UGVs provide Schena. ‘BreadCrumbs using Rajant’s realistic and unpredictable targets for live on rails, it requires no permanent installation. InstaMesh technology are ideal for this type fire small arms training. (Photo: USMC) The control station can manage up to eight of application, as the nodes communicate targets individually and can be expanded with other BreadCrumb nodes to provide tanks and other vehicles, and support to control up to four targets simultaneously. dynamic, on-the-fly frequency changes to detection, identification and engagement of Each Badger can tow up to three full-scale adapt to physical surroundings or network stationary and moving targets training under non-thermal silhouettes or two thermally availability,’ he said. simulated combat conditions. The MAT can be augmented targets. The latest member of the commanded to change speed or direction family is the Badger II, which can represent a II MODERNISING BATUS and raise or lower a full-scale T-72 flank target. variety of target vehicles. The UK MoD is also keen to upgrade its For robustness, critical mechanisms are In February 2011, Boeing selected Meggitt’s live fire target facilities, and in March 2011 housed in steel enclosures and use military- Vector Doppler Scorer to be integrated into announced the award of a £10 million grade connectors, and electronics are QF-16 target aircraft, which will represent ($16 million) contract to Meggitt Training protected within the target actuator units. fourth-generation fighter threats to exercise Systems for its enhanced targeting More than 450 MATs and 3,000 SATs are in air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles and radars. requirement at the British Army Training operation worldwide, says the company. The contract covers development, ground Unit Suffield (BATUS) in Alberta, Canada. The Meggitt’s latest rail-mounted system is the and flight tests, with initial deliveries due later contract will involve the modernisation of Entry Control Point Moving Target, which this year. ® all the targets at BATUS, amounting to more manoeuvres around a set of Jersey barriers as than 1,000 light and heavy deployable smart it attempts to pass through a military control targets that incorporate near-miss and ‘zonal’ point. It can only be stopped by hitting the scoring systems. BATUS is described as the driver or grill area of the vehicle. British Army’s most important live fire range The company’s Badger is a squat, angular for operational pre-deployment training and six-wheeled all-terrain UGV that can reach ‘is changing to reflect the complexity of speeds of more than 40km/h over prepared modern combat’. services, and be controlled from up to 10km UGVs play a key role in Meggitt’s live fire away day or night. It is designed to tow a Pronto4 hardware running ProntoMimic or training target systems. They include both variety of targets in tailored training exercises third-party software can be fitted rapidly in rail-mounted and free manoeuvring vehicles. for the evaluation of anti-tank missiles, the field, turning trucks into optionally The rail-mounted Small Arms Trainer (SAT) gun systems and artillery projectiles. Light unmanned targets in less than four hours. (Photo: Kairos Autonomi) and Moving Armour Target (MAT) simulate armour provides protection from sub-calibre

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TRAINING SYSTEMS

II SWARMS, PIRATES AND MISSILES where it separates and the ramjet lights. In July, with small boat swarm attacks and Coyote cruises at more than Mach piracy in mind, the UK MoD awarded a 2.5 and boasts a range of around 90km contract to Autonomous Surface Vessels flying less than 20ft above the sea. (ASV) for remotely controlled surface target Orbital has also designed and flight- capabilities, which will be provided to the tested a variant that can mimic high-diving Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. missiles. It achieved an altitude of 35,000ft The remotely operated boats, which belong and a speed of Mach 3.3 during the test to the company’s Fast Marine Target Drones programme, approaching its target in a (FMTD) family, range in length from 3.5-13m, 40° dive. The USN has ordered 89 Coyotes and ASV will supply, operate, store and since awarding the development contract maintain them. in 2000, the most recent being an order for All the FMTD vessels, which are based seven in May. on an aluminium hull that the company describes as highly survivable and repairable, II COMPOSITE CONTRACT use ASV’s control architecture, and this Orbital subcontracted the SSST’s front-end enables them to be operated individually or subsystem to Composites Engineering (CEi) as part of a swarm. Typically, the outboard of Sacramento, California. Under the contract, motor and electronics are placed in a recess CEi handles payload integration, autopilot that can be fitted with ballistic protection. and software. The company manufactures a range of aerial targets, including the BQM-167A Air Force Subscale Aerial Target, for which the USAF placed a $34.6 million order in January 2011 for 40 systems. BQM-167As are subsonic targets that manoeuvre like modern fighters. They can achieve speeds of between 230 and 600kt true air speed at sea level, altitudes of between 50ft above ground level and 50,000ft above mean sea level and a maximum speed of Mach 0.92. A Nissan pick-up truck fitted with a Pronto4 In March 2011, Orbital was awarded remote/autonomous operation kit, which a contract for 22 Intermediate Range turns commercial vehicles into realistic targets Ballistic Missile (IRBM) targets by the US for US attack pilots. (Photo: Kairos Autonomi) Missile Defence Agency. The $230 million In late July, the USN conducted the 25th development and production contract launch of Orbital Sciences’ GQM-163 Coyote covers eight targets (to be delivered by supersonic sea skimming target (SSST) as 2015), with up to $870 million in options part of the service’s regular ship self-defence for 14 more between 2012 and 2018. The exercises that test its ability to counter agile, company developed the IRBM target from modern, fast and low anti-ship missiles. The its Pegasus satellite launcher, and it will two Coyotes were rail-launched from the be launched from inside a C-17 transport Hawaiian coast and successfully engaged using parachute extraction. by a USN warship. As the tactics and technologies used Measuring 5.5m in length and 35cm in by enemies – both actual and potential – diameter, Coyote is powered by a solid-fuel evolve, unmanned target systems are ducted-rocket ramjet with four air inlets. An advancing to represent them and provide Mk 70 solid rocket provides the first stage, armed forces with confidence in their skills accelerating the vehicle to supersonic speed, and weapon systems. UV

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GCS

Finding common ground

s Unmanned Vehicles went to press, UGCS market. ‘The GCS is the core of the The US DoD’s goal is a single architecture, the US Army was concluding its [UAS],’ he said. ‘Shrivenham saw a change encompassing control elements that can be A inaugural Manned Unmanned towards product – the dissemination of used across all dimensions of the battlespace. Systems Integration Capability (MUSIC) information in a quick manner.’ ‘I see a single architecture with software exercise at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. elements that can be used across all three Designed to demonstrate the integration and US LEADS THE WAY services, providing cost savings for interoperability between a variety of ground, US Army figures state that UAS deployments government,’ urged Bachman. unmanned air assets and helicopters, it was have increased 47 times since 2003, and this ‘The navy is very focused on a modular, also the first time the army would operate a continues to be the ‘most dynamic and integrated effort – it has a problem more series of ‘universal’ control stations across rapidly changing technology on today’s like the army. You can’t have three control several tactical levels. [and] tomorrow’s battlefield’. segments on a small ship to control BAMS Scheduled to conclude with a The army model is to provide the most [Broad Area Maritime Surveillance], Fire Scout demonstration for VIPs on 16 September, automated, capable and trustworthy UAS and ScanEagle. The navy is looking a lot more defence sources told UV that AAI’s Universal to warfighters. The mission has grown to seriously at how they do interoperable GCS. Ground Control Station (UGCS) and One include manned-unmanned teaming, ‘It is very similar to what you see in the System Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT) interoperability, aerial communications telecoms industry. I can buy base stations and AeroVironment’s mini-UGCS had all relay and weaponisation. from Ericsson and Nokia and still plug into been successfully utilised in the exercise. my network. I can buy handsets, and all are However, calls for an all-encompassing interoperable with those base stations. This solution that is capable of harmonising is the vision the government has – to allow control segments of unmanned assets competition, but not have to throw everything across all three services remains a pipe away at the award of a different contract.’ dream, according to Tom Bachman, VP of However, Bachman warned that a single One System programmes at AAI. ‘It poses an GCS and interface for all three services was interesting challenge,’ he mused. ‘Platforms not the answer. ‘Services have different have significantly different purposes – how requirements,’ he stated. much integration do you have between control segments? This is something the SEAMLESS COOPERATION USAF is looking at very hard.’ Scheduled to be replicated every two But, having attended the Remotely Piloted years, MUSIC demonstrated interoperability Air Systems Symposium at the UK’s Defence between aviation assets, including: the MQ-1C Academy in Shrivenham on 8 September, Gray Eagle; MQ-5 Hunter; RQ-7 Shadow; Nick Miller, head of ISTAR at Thales UK, Elisra’s MRS-2000 can be used to control RQ-11B Raven; Puma AE; Wasp; AH-64D unmanned platforms. (Photo: Elisra) described to UV a changing dynamic in the Block II; and OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.

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AAI is at the forefront of US Army efforts to GCS harmonise GCS assets. (Photo: AAI)

now bringing other pieces in, such as the ‘This is a real challenge, and [it is] bi-directional OSRVT, Triclops [for multiple something we are working through,’ he Despite calls from stare points] and mini-UGCS control. explained. ‘How does a commander manage users to begin ‘We are working on interoperability and this? The capability will be deployed sooner harmonising the STANAG 4586. Although UGCS has been rather than later. In the last six to eight years, integrated into Hunter, Shadow and Gray with the use of Shadow for example, there GCS elements of Eagle, there has never been a forcing function has been a change in sophistication in how unmanned systems, to bring it all together. I think [MUSIC] has the users have deployed it. Credit to the there still remains a achieved that, if everything goes right.’ soldiers in the field who can learn what works bewildering variety, Looking ahead, Bachman said that AAI and come up the learning curve really quick.’ reports Andrew was in talks with the likes of Sikorsky, which is According to a spokesman for White. currently in the midst of developing a Black AeroVironment, the US Army is developing Hawk optionally piloted vehicle, designated a ‘two-pronged’ solution when it comes to UH-60MU. Additionally, AAI has also proven UGCS. ‘For larger systems such as Gray Eagle control of its own unmanned surface vessel and Shadow, they are focusing on a single According to the army, the exercise and QinetiQ’s Talon UGV from both the UGCS type of controller,’ he said, in reference to the ‘sets the stage for future interoperability and older One System GCS. AAI solution. improvements to benefit the warfighter and ‘The vision is to have MUSIC interoperability ‘For their small UAS, such as Raven and army community’ by providing a ‘seamless’ demonstrations periodically,’ he stressed. Puma, they are focusing on the GCS we cooperation from: UAS to UAS; UAS to ‘This will enable us to have some kind of provide as their “mini-UGCS”. Raven and manned platform; and UAS/manned integration point as we move forward to Puma, which are now outfitted with our platform to ground assets. keep everything integrated. Programmes digital data link, will be operated in concert ‘Last week, we used UGCS to fly Shadow, need tie-points periodically.’ with the larger systems, and operators using Hunter and Gray Eagle aircraft,’ added our mini-GCS will control the payloads on Bachman. ‘In general, the demonstration is DEPLOYMENT DIVIDES some of the larger systems. coming off very well.’ However, he admitted According to Bachman, another big challenge According to US Army officials, the plan is to that there were areas to improve. is developing a suitable concept of operations, field UGCS in 2012 and make it the ‘standard’ ‘We are making sure everything is working considering Gray Eagle is a divisional asset control station for all of its UAVs by 2016. ‘The well,’ he explained. ‘We had the flights, and are compared to Shadow, which is a brigade asset. troops who are taking part in the MUSIC

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GCS

exercise are also slated to demonstrate a Elbit’s GCS has demonstrated simultaneous control smaller, handheld version of the UGCS that is of a Hermes 450 and Hermes 900. (Photo: Elbit) designed to fly multiple small UAVs,’ officials told UV. spokesperson told UV. ‘We are working on an Describing itself as a ‘founding member’ of independent R&D project to develop a UCI the DoD’s Universal Control System (UCS) module, and are engaged with the air force to Working Group, General Atomics Aeronautical incorporate it into the Block 50 programme. Systems (GAAS) has been involved with the ‘A continuing challenge to using GCS across Advanced Cockpit GCS. fleets of UAS relates to system certification. According to a company spokesperson, The documentation and artefacts built for GAAS is ‘actively engaged in improving the one system can be leveraged to help with the interoperability of UAS across platforms and certification of other systems, but the need for within the services. We’re a charter member a platform-level airworthiness certification will of the Office of the Secretary of Defense- exist for some time. sponsored UAS Control Segment technical ‘We are also in discussions with the society, working to establish a modular open USN regarding capabilities of our Block 50 systems approach that will enable competition Advanced Cockpit that might be of benefit as and sharing at the component level, allowing the navy explores options for its Common selection of “best of breed” components.’ Control System.’ The GAAS Advanced Cockpit GCS is SCALABLE ARCHITECTURE designed for use with MQ-1 and MQ-9 air Dating back to February 2009, the UCS vehicles, providing improved situational Working Group was tasked with developing awareness and reduced pilot workload. It and demonstrating a common, open and comprises a human-centred display, which scalable UAS architecture supporting UAS includes: synthetic video with 3D graphics Groups two through five. and moving maps; 120° horizon field of The group’s official mission statement view on multiple widescreen graphical reads: ‘This effort will incorporate the best overlays; and HD video. Enhanced practices of current army, air force and situational awareness is achieved navy development efforts to include, but through fused, multi-source data in a not limited to: definition of a common common operational picture on a single functional architecture, interface standards display – touchscreen technology and and business rules; use of open-source and F-35-inspired ‘hands on throttle and government-owned software as appropriate; stick’ mechanisation. competitive acquisition options; and refinement of message sets to support DIFFERENT LEVELS all operational requirements of the systems Meanwhile, on the ‘agenda’ for Thales UK previously defined. is the UGCS concept that falls in line with ‘The near-term priority will be on Sky the ‘layered approach of UAVs’ as regards Warrior, Predator, Reaper and Fire Scout, manned-unmanned cooperation. ‘We are with a path to incorporate the BAMS UAS looking at multi-mission C2,’ explained and support Global Hawk.’ It concluded by Miller. ‘Watchkeeper has common ground warning that it was not designed to develop system architecture which allows for a common joint control station or human- multi-layered C2.’ machine interface. To date, Thales UK has proven how this ‘GAAS is also actively working on integration concept can be achieved in a simulated at the operational level to share tasking and environment from an operational point of status messages through the USAF-sponsored view with army and air force layers. ‘We are UAS C2 Initiative (UCI),’ the company planning a demonstration to include small,

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GCS

MULTI-TASKING With two separate stations, Elbit’s solution has the capability to operate both a Hermes 450 medium and large systems – this would be and 900 airframe from the same GCS. ‘The IDF ideal for Scavenger,’ he said, referring to is improving constantly,’ explained Dotan. ‘The the UK MoD’s possible MALE UAS ISTAR 450 and 900 are the main two we are flying, requirement. ‘Should there be a MALE UAV and we even flew both from the same GCS requirement, the MoD could re-use elements so the combination of the two is also doable. of the tactical GCS.’ You can switch missions between two Describing how the MoD’s Watchkeeper operators in order to share the load. Some equipment would be ready for operations missions are dull and not hard to do and in Afghanistan by the end of the year, Miller some are more complex.’ outlined the potential for its GCS to be Looking abroad to potential integration compatible with multiple networks and links programmes, he remained tight-lipped. ‘Our to all ground users. ‘The future will see that ability to do integration, adapt whatever we application to integrate other assets, including have to other platforms and interfaces is manned platforms, to the Watchkeeper GCS,’ doable,’ he said. ‘We are open to changes, he said. but this depends on opportunities.’ However, he also admitted that But Dotan is still sure that a single Watchkeeper had yet to be connected to all-up solution for control of the very the in-service Hermes 450 airframes currently wide breadth of unmanned systems is flying under Operation Lydian in Afghanistan unattainable. ‘For Skylark I and II, you as part of a UOR for the UK armed forces. cannot take a NATO shelter and deploy – it’s In Israel, Elbit Systems’ senior business unreasonable,’ he said. ‘Skylark I is carried on development director for UAS, Eli Dotan, the back, and the whole GCS is a ruggedised remains sceptical about a truly universal laptop. For Skylark II and Hermes 90, you GCS, certainly on a global basis. I doubt it a need something that is in the middle.’ little bit,’ he told UV. ‘In the end, each customer He described an integrated and has their own preferences. We have done a lot downsized GCS to put on a 4X4 vehicle: of studies for what is the best thing for ‘There is more than one option to go.’ operators. When you take a number [of Referring to the capability for a Skylark I GCS customers], put them in a room and ask to connect to larger platforms, he explained: what’s important to them, you get a multitude ‘It is not something that we would of answers. It’s a nice wish-list to have, but not recommend operationally. UAVs come easy to implement.’ with a range of proper solutions.’ Having worked on several generations The GCS for Hermes 900 to 90, for of its own UGCS since 1994, Elbit continues example, require different data links for to develop its original version. ‘More or less, shorter mission duration. ‘They need we are in the fourth generation of GCS,’ he something very convenient to operate, explained. ‘Technology improvements are so don’t need the luxury of a big GCS.’ happening all the time. We have the hardware However, looking ahead, Dotan required to perform the mission with two underlined the need to extend the identical operator consoles with the same capability of Hermes 900 GCS in order functionality. If one fails, the other backs up to remain up to date for the increasing allowing a mission to continue.’ multimodal operations of the airframe However, Dotan is adamant that a common itself. This could include Elbit’s Wide Area controller linking both smaller and larger UAVs Aerial Persistent Surveillance system for remains an economic question. ‘The problem example, as well as EO/IR, SAR and COMINT is not technical,’ he stated. applications. UV

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INTERVIEW

Following the service’s recent Manned Unmanned Systems Integration Capability (MUSIC) exercise, the US Army’s Program Executive Officer for Aviation, Maj Gen Tim Crosby, spoke with Scott R Gourley about some of the critical issues it raised. Facing the MUSIC

he message to the warfighter is that together to be able to do that. That’s army aviation and the programmes groundbreaking. ‘Tthat I oversee are focused on ‘It’s all about enhancing the soldier’s supporting the soldier,’ Crosby began. ‘Too ability to make a decision, highlighting many times we start thinking about things as that continued focus on reconnaissance, platform-specific. We think about a particular surveillance and target acquisition. UAS or we think about a particular helicopter. Everything that you saw at MUSIC – every And we planned and conducted this demo sensor, every vehicle, every helicopter – ‘It’s all about enhancing to show that our focus is across those was focused on that level of fidelity and the soldier’s ability to product lines to achieve synergy, all focused getting that data into that young make a decision.’ on getting the data into the hands of the infantryman’s hands.’ decision-maker – that warfighter on the However, Crosby acknowledged that there ground – in critical real time. ‘weren’t a lot of warfighter representatives ‘So what you saw demonstrated out at out there’, during the exercise. ‘We are the down or change some things as that MUSIC was the ability to move and shift developmental guys. We are the ones happens. But our focus remains the same who controlled and who had access to that put all of this stuff together for and I believe that this kind of demonstration the video and data from those UAVs and the warfighters. And now it’s up to the has got enough momentum and, frankly, those helicopters in order for that young warfighters to develop and refine those it’s not going to slow things down much at infantryman on the ground, who has tactics, techniques and procedures. all,’ he stressed. that very small window of engagement ‘What we did was demonstrate the opportunity, to make that decision. And technical capability to do it. We did it with an II EXISTING EQUIPMENT it’s not about aviation. It is about aviation operational scenario in mind. Now what we Summarising some final thoughts on enabling that young infantryman to do want to do is refine all that to the way those MUSIC and manned-unmanned teaming their job,’ he said. units are actually fighting. And we believe from his perspective as PEO Aviation, Crosby that the MUSIC exercise will be a significant observed: ‘This was not the “aviation good II FINDING PARTNERS enhancement in their ability to do that.’ old boys” getting together. This was the Asked whether the exercise, held at Turning to the upcoming challenges for team of industry and army acquisition Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, from manned-unmanned teaming over the next pulling together to demonstrate these 14-16 September, provided a message for few years, Crosby offered: ‘We are all going capabilities. And none of this was new. industry, Crosby responded: ‘I can say it in to struggle with the budgets and related ‘It was all done using existing one word – partnering. For example, the issues we are facing. Our country has got architecture, existing data link lines – the whole idea of what we have done with our some huge challenges ahead. As for Tactical Common Data Link, the UGCS and UAS in going to a Universal Ground Control manned and unmanned teaming within the One System Remote Video Terminal. Station [UGCS] that works and can control all our organisation, I think the path ahead is All of those things are in existence today the UAVs requires a great deal of partnering very strong. We will continue to refine that so this is not anything new. It’s bringing and synergy within the PM [programme to get this expanded capability into the those things together and enhancing their management] office and with all of those hands of the warfighter in-theatre. capabilities to achieve that synergy for the different OEMs, if you will – because each ‘The reason that I bring up the budget warfighter. That one word – synergy – one is from a different house – all working is that we may have to slow some things sums it all up,’ he concluded. UV

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