APPENDIX D – TECHNOLOGIES
Page D-7
ensure safe small UA operation in support of civil operations or in support of a combined arms task
force.
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Affordability. Affordability cannot be ignored. Just as technology might determine whether a system is practical, affordability determines whether a system is purchased. Lower costs for UA can determine the operational employment concepts. For example, if the cost to replace a UA is low enough, an item can become “attritable,” and even “expendable.” Small UA can benefit significantly from appropriate application of the technology as it relates to production costs.
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Sensing. Sensing covers a significant set of issues from ISR to auto-target recognition to “see and avoid (S&A).” Improvements in miniaturization will push capability into smaller and smaller packages as time progresses. Already the capability available in a MQ-1Predator of ten years ago is available in the Shadow 200. This will continue with the potential for greater capabilities to migrate into the mini-UA and MAV. Such a transition must continue to be supported in order to improve product quality to the lowest levels. Affordability of this migration will also be important and tied to capabilities available in the commercial sector.
Ground Station Command, Control, and Communications (C3)
As the capabilities of the UA continue to improve; the capability of the command and control (C2) infrastructure needs to keep pace. There are several key aspects of the off-board C2 infrastructure that are being addressed: a) man-machine interfaces, b) multi-aircraft C3, and c) target identification, weapons allocation and weapons release. The location of the C3 system can be on the ground, aboard ship, or airborne. The functions to be accomplished are independent of the location. UA hold the promise of reduced operating and support (O&S) costs compared to manned aircraft. There are only small savings by simply moving the man from the cockpit of a large aircraft to the off board C3 station. Currently, UA crews can consist of as many functions as sensor system operator, weapons release authority, communications officer, and a mission commander. All can be separate individuals. Applications to reduce these functional manpower positions into fewer positions are in its infancy. Improvements in aircraft autonomy to allow for fewer positions, or more aircraft controlled by the same positions are also in its infancy. One of the difficult issues being addressed is how the operator interacts with the aircraft: what information is presented to him during normal operations and what additional information is presented if an emergency occurs. Advanced interfaces are being explored in the DARPA UCAV programs. To date, the C3 stations being developed are aimed more at the test environment than the operational environment. The advanced interfaces take advantage of force feedback and aural cues to provide additional situational awareness to the system operators. Improvements should focus in the following areas:
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