Lockheed Martin develops new control system for SUAS
Lockheed Martin is migrating its Group 1 family of UAS to enhanced automation capabilities using its Kestrel "Fly Light" flight control systems and mobile Ground Control Station (mGCS) software it has announced.
The company says that the increased automation allows operators to focus on executing the mission, rather than flying various aircraft.
In February this year, Lockheed Martin's Desert Hawk III SUAS demonstrated these enhancements by delivering improved situational awareness to operators.
The company said that the mGCS enhancements also proved to substantially reduce operator workload through an intuitive interface, user-friendly touchscreen and joystick options, as well as a sophisticated set of operator warnings, cautions and advisories.
‘The mGCS is a derivative of our proven VCS-4586 software that focuses on providing capabilities to the small unit level,’ said Kevin Westfall, director of unmanned solutions at Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems and Training business. ‘mGCS is a single, portable system capable of conducting missions that would typically require multiple controllers and federated software applications in order to manage the many different types of UAS.’
mGCS was developed on an open system using COTS that is interoperable with a variety of portable computers, hand controllers, autopilots, data links and sensors.
The mGCS software is compliant with NATO's STANAG 4586 and also includes a full software development kit to provide other UAS manufacturers the ability to add systems and other capabilities without restriction. The company believes this significantly eases integration while reducing support and sustainment costs as well.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system]()
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
