The Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) and Lockheed Martin have demonstrated new technology as part of a joint programme on the concept of manned-unmanned teaming for the optimisation of diverse fleets of aircraft.
The demonstration focused on the aerial command and control (C2) of multiple UAS, with technology that uses advanced mathematic calculations and a systems-of-systems approach to bolster mission efficiency by adapting the fleet’s commanded flight paths, speeds, division of duties, and sensor performance.
The goal was to incorporate airborne C2, improve user interfaces, and test new methods for related subroutines. With a vision of ultimately developing fast dynamically adaptive approaches to live management of a UAV fleet, this work is an important contribution to the concept of manned-unmanned teaming, where manned assets operate seamlessly with surrogate UAS, often controlling many at a time against specific tasks.
This technology demonstrates that, with the right tools, an operator may adapt to changing scenarios, calculate new solutions, and deploy those new, optimised solutions to the fleet of commanded aircraft, whether for civil or military purposes. The demonstration can be equated to a search and rescue task, where every minute shaved off of a search pattern could be the difference between life and death.
Prof Janusz Narkiewicz, head of WUT’s Department of Automation and Aeronautical Systems, said: ‘These technologies have tremendous commercial and military potential as the world moves toward greater and greater use of UAS.
‘Understanding how different assets can interoperate, communicate, and serve common objectives with maximum efficiency is a challenging task in the growing field of UAV technologies.’
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.
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.
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.
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.
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
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