In close cooperation with Bundeswehr, ESG has modified an UMS Skeldar R-350 UAS to offer a testbed for in flight evaluation of payload and avionics. This testbed is called Unmanned Mission Avionics Test Helicopter (UMAT). In order to provide a complete test environment, a truck based laboratory enhances monitoring, control, and recording capabilities. It is called Flexible Mobile Ground Control Station (FlexMobGCS). In this paper we present the UMAT Test Data System (TDS) which is a modular, digital and powerful system for capturing, recording, transmitting, analysing and archiving of test data during flight test operations with the UMAT. The TDS is used to evaluate experimental equipment during flight tests like avionics or mission management functions as well as human machine interactions. The TDS consists of an air segment within the UMAT, a data link and the ground segment within the FlexMobGCS. In this paper the focus lies on the challenges of the TDS ground segment and its integration into the TDS air segment.
Current helicopter missions can achieve a huge operational benefit if manned platforms team with unmanned. Task-based operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle from a manned flying platform may reduce workload and relieve the crew of the manned helicopter. Task-based control in Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) includes variable automation of the unmanned aerial vehicle and Human Machine Interface enhancement for the crew of the manned helicopter. Research activities in a common project of ESG GmbH funded by the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support and German Armed Forces engaged MUM-T to command and control an UAV from a manned helicopter. The manned mission avionics test helicopter (MAT) and the unmanned mission avionics test helicopter (UMAT) were operated in a common airspace and a distance down to 100m. The joint demonstration of MAT and UMAT included the provision of reconnaissance data for the crew of the manned helicopter, formation flight maneuvers, and complex mission phases. The German Army Aviation experimental pilot of the manned helicopter took the role of mission commander, coordinating with in-air displays to monitor the UMAT data. In parallel, the UMAT was operated from a dedicated control station of a passenger seat of the MAT. This paper examines conducted Manned-Unmanned Teaming flight trials during the summer of 2018 to model a level of maturity for task-based, semi-automated control of an unmanned platform from a manned platform. Flight tests demonstrated procedures of MUM-T, which were based on and transferred from procedures of manned helicopters during formation flight. Task-based control of an unmanned platform based on procedures of the German Armed Forces taking into account HMI requirements and Situational Awareness Management will be discussed. Aspects within human factors and downsizing of the control station to tablet format were examined based on the results of the flight tests and advanced MUM-T roadmap. The discussion culminates in long term human factor integration and capabilities required for task-based control of an unmanned platform to serve as Unmanned Wingman in a team with manned platforms.
The paper presents a solution for formation flight and formation reconfiguration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Based on a virtual leader approach, combined with an extended local potential field, it is universal applicable by driving the vehiclepsilas auto pilot. The solution is verified, using a group of UAVs based on a simplified small-scale helicopter, which is simulated in MATLABtrade/Simulinktrade. As necessary for helicopters, the potential field approach is realized in 3D including obstacle and collision avoidance. The collision avoidance strategy could be used separately for the sense and avoid problem.
When properly implemented, Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) allows for an optimized blending of high-value, manned airborne vehicles with expendable, relatively inexpensive unmanned resources within a coordinated mission. This enables human operators and crew to focus on the most sensitive and complex mission tasks, while limiting their usage and exposure to dangerous environments. The sensor and communication capabilities of even simple unmanned vehicles can enhance the situational awareness and reach of manned vehicle crews; however, controlling, monitoring, and avoiding collisions with these additional vehicles can also quickly increase crew workload in an already overtaxed environment. This paper discusses the challenges associated with bringing MUM-T operations into the maritime environment and offers suggestions for modifications to the teaming structure, operations, and equipment in this setting. The experimental setup and results from the German Army Aviation's MUM-T program1 are compared to maritime requirements and available assets, based on interviews with professional maritime test pilots and relevant operator publications. Expected roles for UAVs in maritime MUM-T operations would include intelligence-gathering, BLOS target designating, and relaying communications. Results of prior research and testing suggest that maritime crews will see little benefit today from MUM-T operations, given their current capabilities and technologies. More sophisticated displays for manned assets, advanced autonomy and robustness for unmanned assets, modified CONOPS, and improved long-range communication methods would be necessary for proper resource management in maritime missions. In particular, teams should require task-based UAV control, weather-proofed and reliable autonomous vehicles, and TLD datalink systems (such as Link 16).
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