LM's VUIT technology provides network interoperability for multiple aviation platforms

Lockheed Martin's Video from Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Interoperability Teaming (VUIT ) technology is now available as a standard kit for use across multiple aviation platforms.

The VUIT Common Aviation system allows air-to-ground and manned-unmanned video network interoperability for the Kiowa Warrior, HH-60 MEDEVAC, Aerial Common Sensor and Task Force ODIN. "Our modular system adapts to multiple mission requirements while providing improved battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance," said Rich Russell, director of Sensors, Data Links and Advanced Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "This technology can greatly benefit the Kiowa Warrior, HH-60 MEDEVAC and other aircraft by providing immediate-use intelligence and a common operating picture which enhances interoperability."

The VUIT Common Aviation system includes two kits that can be used together or independently. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Link Kit allows manned aircraft crews to receive real-time video and metadata from UAS. Pilots are able to select the frequency of a specific UAS with the desired view and stream information to their multi-function cockpit displays.

The VUIT Ground Link Kit enables the transmission of video and metadata from the manned aircraft to ground personnel equipped with One System Remote Video Terminal video-reception capabilities. Ground personnel can view both manned aircraft and UAS video and metadata. The kit is also designed to accommodate future spiral growth capability for two-way communication between the manned aircraft and the ground or between multiple manned aircraft.

The VUIT Common Aviation system is a variant of the combat-proven VUIT-2 for Apache. VUIT-2 for Apache recently began operational use in theater and has successfully transmitted Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight imagery to Stryker vehicles on combat patrols.

VUIT is a federated system that is easily installable in the field on multiple rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft without the need for integration into the aircraft mission control software. Both VUIT kits combined weigh less than 56 pounds, making VUIT a lightweight rapidly-fieldable option for networking aviation and ground combat units.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.