Airbus Helicopters and Schiebel have tested Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities between an H145 helicopter and a Camcopter S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS).
They are the first European helicopter manufacturers to demonstrate this technology with the highest level of interoperability (LOI 5).
The companies carried out test flights with the support of the Austrian Armaments and Defence Technology Agency. The two aircraft jointly flew different scenarios including the detection of objects hidden in places not accessible by traditional helicopters. The S-100 was controlled and piloted by an operator sitting in the helicopter.
During the flights, the control was also temporarily handed over to a ground-based control station by the pilot in order to simulate the return of the manned helicopter for refueling.
The trials carried out by Airbus Helicopters and Schiebel went up to MUM-T LOI 5, which allows the manned platform to exercise full control of the UAS including its take-off and landing. LOI 1, the lowest level, is the indirect receipt and /or transmission of sensor data obtained by the UAS to the manned aircraft.
“Manned-Unmanned Teaming multiplies the capabilities of both systems”, Mark Henning, Program Manager at Airbus Helicopters, said. “Smaller UAS with vertical take-off and landing capabilities can, for example, fly around obstacles as trees or buildings closer than a helicopter could. They are able to explore unknown territory and deliver information to the helicopter crew which is operating from a safe position and which can then step in with the helicopter’s superior effects, having received a clear picture from the UAS."
"The MUM-T capability can be implemented in any kind of helicopter and can interact with all types of unmanned systems."
The test successfully managed the challenges of data transfer interference and electromagnetic compatibility of the UAS with the helicopter, as well as the integration of a complete UAS mission planning and control system into the helicopter’s architecture. The S-100 mission planning and control system was provided by Schiebel.
RAN is operating the S-100 as an interim UAS under Minor Project 1942 until it decides on a long-term UAS platform under Sea 129 Phase 5. It recently tested a heavy fuel variant in Nowra.
Likely contenders include Leonardo Helicopters and Air Affairs' AWHERO, Boeing's Firescout, and Saab's Skeldar platform.