Airbus conducts MUT test flights
Airbus has carried out a series of manned-unmanned teaming (MUT) test flight campaigns to demonstrate the ability to control unmanned systems from a manned aircraft.
The campaigns were conducted using five Airbus Do-DT25 target UAS at a test zone in Germany’s Baltic Sea area. They involved the UAS being controlled by a mission group commander who was airborne in a manned C2 aircraft.
The trial served multiple purposes, including validating elements such as connectivity, human-machine interface, and the concept of teaming intelligence through mission group management.
A key element that supported the successful test flights was the advanced flight control and flight management system for unmanned air vehicles. Developed by Airbus, the system combines fully automatic guidance, navigation and control with intelligent swarming capabilities. Equipped with sensors, the swarm of unmanned systems can provide situational awareness to a mission group commander located a safe distance away aboard the manned aircraft.
Lessons learned from the campaigns will be applied by Airbus for its work on Future Combat Air Systems.
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