Textron demonstrates simulated manned-unmanned teaming capability
Textron Systems has successfully integrated and demonstrated manned-unmanned teaming capability via its Synturian control and collaboration technology and Textron Aviation Defense’s Scorpion jet, Textron announced on 30 July.
During the rapid proof of concept demonstration, the team installed Synturian software into the cockpit mission computer of the Scorpion. The team simulated a Nightwarden tactical UAS and an Aerosonde small UAS for the demonstration, which featured flight acquisition and control of the simulated air vehicles and sensors (up to Level of Interoperability 4).
Textron Systems and Textron Aviation Defense also plan to advance integration efforts, testing and demonstration of this transformational capability with fully-operational unmanned aircraft.
Brett Pierson, senior flight test pilot, Textron Aviation Defense, said: ‘The ability to easily and intuitively control unmanned systems from the cockpit of a manned tactical aircraft is a game-changer. The tactical and operational ramifications of this new capability are enormous.
'Further extending Scorpion’s sensor suite and penetrating a weather layer to generate target coordinates; or creating a triangulated solution independently; or adding layers to a multi-spectral fused solution, deliver an entirely new set of tactical capabilities that have never been possible in a fighter-typed aircraft.’
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