UCS
Advanced Multi-Unmanned Aerial
System's Cockpit
Raytheon Company
A new "cockpit" designed specifically for UAV pilots unveiled yesterday
by Raytheon promises to improve operational efficiency and flight safety
of unmanned aerial systems. The new cockpit, called Universal Control
System (UCS) is designed to simplify control of multiple unmanned aerial
systems, by improving situational awareness and ability to control
multiple unmanned platforms. The system uses open architecture to
control multiple platforms and sensors utilizing STANAG 4586 compliant
systems, configured as a ground based "glass cockpit". Raytheon is
confident that the new cockpit can improve the flight safety of unmanned
systems, particularly of piloted UAVs such as the
USAF Predator.
A 2004 study by the Federal Aviation Administration, "A Summary of
Unmanned Aircraft Accident/Incident Data: Human Factors Implications,"
stated that " ... a common theme across many of the mishaps reported
involved a problem with the command interface to the system." The study
also noted that "In the systems analyzed, human factors issues were
present in 21 percent (Shadow) to 67
percent (Predator) of the accidents. The
report recommended that "human factors issues … can be identified and
addressed." Raytheon is addressing this issue with the Universal Control
System (UCS), promising to improve operational efficiency and flight
safety of unmanned aerial systems by improving situational awareness and
ability to control multiple unmanned platforms.
"Aircrews today need UCS superior control interfaces and situational
awareness, which will dramatically improve the combat effectiveness of
pilot and sensor operators," said Michael Keaton, former commander of a
U.S. Air Force Predator squadron who is now working for Raytheon. "We
developed the essential tools and technology needed to bring UCS to
fruition, and I believe this is the only UAS control system on the
market designed specifically around the operator to enhance combat
operations."
"We broke down the operator's tasks and objectives and constructed a
system built entirely around them, rather than building the system
around the air vehicle first, without input from the operators.
Improvements included adding a wrap-around display to enhance operator
effectiveness" Says Mark Bigham, business development director for
Raytheon's Intelligence and Information Systems. "We wanted to put
operators in the UAS 'cockpit' virtually and dramatically enhance their
situational awareness. UCS operators will have better situational
awareness than any manned platform, which dramatically improves safety."
Leveraging the investments made in advanced gaming technologies
Raytheon's UCS uses an intuitive interface, enabling effective learning
and reduced training requirements mastering UAS missions. Raytheon
designed and developed the UCS to meet operator demands and decrease
human factors issues when operating a UAS. The enhanced operating system
addresses ergonomic concerns and caters to the needs of the operators to
help them perform their jobs more effectively.
In addition, the system gives the operator the option of standing or
sitting and provides flexibility in controlling multiple functions.
Moreover, the technology provides a safer work environment for
operators, keeping their minds more focused to perform their missions
more effectively and safer. The UCS system can control multiple
dissimilar UASs simultaneously, using software designed and developed by
Raytheon. |
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