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
-
![Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures]()
Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has driven another stage of evolution for drones and the counter measures to defend against them.
-
![L3Harris launches Amorphous software for control of uncrewed platforms]()
L3Harris launches Amorphous software for control of uncrewed platforms
The new Amorphous software is a universal controller that would allow a single operator to control a swarm of “thousands” of uncrewed systems, from drones to underwater platforms.
-
![ideaForge unveils new UAVs at Aero India 2025]()
ideaForge unveils new UAVs at Aero India 2025
India UAV supplier ideaForge has launched the Netra 5 and Switch V2 drones at Aero India 2025, boasting of enhanced endurance, AI-driven autonomy and improved operational capabilities.
-
![Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market]()
Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market
The UAV market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with innovations in technology and battlefield applications driving demand across military sectors. From the battlefields of Ukraine to NATO exercises and beyond, drones are transforming how wars are fought and supported.
-
![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.
