Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roadmap 2005-2030 - Federation of ...

UAS ROADMAP 2005
missions and conducting simulated flights for training. This drives added product support costs for
dedicated simulators and task trainers by requiring more numerous and higher fidelity simulators and
trainers.
3. The current and projected OPTEMPO associated with the Global War On Terrorism (GWOT) does
not allow systems to be taken off-line for extended periods of time in order to implement hardware
and software improvements and to train operators on the new capabilities.
4. Most UAS maintenance training lacks dedicated maintenance trainers as well as digital technical
orders and manuals with embedded refresher training. This results in factory representatives having
to be fielded at most UA operating sites and to deploy to war zones to compensate for inadequate
training.
5.1.3
5.2.1
Training Goals
1. Future ground stations should be required to be capable of conducting actual and simulated flights
with negligible configuration changes required. (This will not preclude the requirement for stand
alone full mission simulation devices of part task trainers due to high usage mission system time
approaching 24/7 for some systems.)
2. OPTEMPO associated with GWOT demands that training be streamlined, especially “difference”
training associated with system upgrades at forward operating locations. Web-based training should
be considered and modular training packages should be created to allow users to train in blocks as
time permits and as the mission allows.
3. UAS maintenance courses should be provided with dedicated versions of currently fielded systems
and digital technical orders with embedded refresher training.
4. Control maintenance training costs. Consider the use of contractors to maintain systems that require
unique and costly training as an alternative to training military personnel.
5.2 OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS DEVELOPMENT—PARTICIPATING AGENCIES
The potential for using UAS in new and innovative ways has long been acknowledged by many in the
military establishment. It is the function of the Service battle labs to convert such assumptions into
demonstrations of practical application. Originally an Army concept (1992), battle labs have been
established by the Services to address, in the Army’s words, “categories of military activity where there
appears to be the greatest potential for change from current concepts and capabilities, and
simultaneously, the areas where new requirements are emerging.” The dynamic nature of these emerging
requirements underscores the importance of continued funding for these organizations. UAS employment
has figured prominently in the short history of these organizations.
Army
The Army’s Advanced Aviation Technology Directorate (AATD), an element of the U.S. Army Aviation
and Missile Command’s Aviation & Missile Research, Development, & Engineering Center, is located at
Ft Eustis, VA. AATD is focused on developing, integrating, and demonstrating new technologies for
future UAS, specifically the integration of manned and unmanned aviation. It operates four Vigilante UA
testbeds and is in the process of converting an AH-1F Cobra into its optionally piloted unmanned combat
airborne demonstrator (UCAD). It is also developing the Wing Store UA (WSUA) for launch from 2.75inch
rocket pods carried on helicopters.
The Army’s Night Vision Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) at Ft Belvoir, VA, employs six
Pointers, six Night Hawks, two Flight Hawks, and one Setter mini-UA, as well as two Camcopter rotary
wing UA, as testbeds for evaluating various night vision and mine countermeasure sensors. NVESD also
assumed responsibility for developing the initial Dragon Warrior prototype, the Sikorsky Cypher II, from
MCWL in late 2000 for further testing and is currently helping develop the Buster mini-UA.
Although none of its six battle labs begun in 1992 is dedicated to UAS, the majority of the Army’s battle
SECTION 5 - OPERATIONS
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