Shadow UAV completes GE Flight FMS demo
AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. company, and GE Aviation announced today that the Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) has completed a flight demonstration using the GE Flight Management System (FMS), a four-dimensional trajectory FMS certified for use with manned commercial aircraft. The demonstration took place at the Hatch Airport in Hatch, N.M., in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the US Army and the New Mexico State University Flight Test Center.
Following a demonstration in 2009, continuing integration and simulation activities allowed the team to show that unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) can function like manned aircraft in the national airspace system (NAS). The event further displayed the benefits of four-dimensional (time and space) trajectory service in UAS operations, including runway approaches and coordination of cooperative operations. The use of a four-dimensional trajectory FMS also results in improved mission planning, longer time on station, greater mission endurance and enhanced airspace control.
"Unmanned aircraft are valuable, reliable assets for America's military, and they stand to serve an equally important role in civil operations," says AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems Senior Vice President and General Manager Steven Reid. "With FAA cooperation, our Shadow aircraft was flown safely within the NAS. This represents a significant step forward in providing the FAA critical data for analysis and development of procedures for future UAS operations in the NAS. The demonstration brings us a step closer to employing the benefits of persistent UAS surveillance for possible applications including meteorological and scientific research, border and homeland security, and post-disaster relief efforts."
"This demonstration provides a path for the Shadow aircraft to operate in the NAS. The flight management system is commercially certified and provides precise, time-based navigation capability," said Chris Beaufait, president and general manager of Avionics for GE Aviation Systems.
Source: AAI
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet
The service has been conducting various procurement and development efforts to integrate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into its inventory.
-
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.