Enhanced UAS automation enabled by Lockheed Martin GCS software
NewsApril 28, 2014
OWEGO, N.Y. Lockheed Martin engineers have developed enhanced automation for their Kestrel flight control systems used in the company's Group 1 family of unmanned aircraft systems. Kestrel works in tandem with Lockheed Martin's mobile Ground Control Station (mGCS) software, which now enables operators to have an intuitive interface, user-friendly touchscreen, and joystick options, and a, that all help to reduce their workload.
Earlier this year, Desert Hawk III small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) from Lockheed Martin demonstrated these enhancements to show how the increased automation enables operators to focus on mission execution, rather than flying various aircraft.
The mGCS is a derivative of the company's VCS-4586 software that focuses on providing capabilities to the small unit level, says Kevin Westfall, director of unmanned solutions fpr Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems and Training business.
mGCS, developed on an open system using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology, is interoperable with a variety of portable computers, autopilots, hand controllers, data links and sensors. The mGCS software is compliant with NATO’s Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4586 and also has a software development kit so other UAS manufacturers can add systems and other capabilities without restriction.
