Leonardo: integration capability between an AW159 helicopter and a UAV demonstrated in the UK

(To Leonardo)
20/10/20

On 17 September Leonardo successfully demonstrated unique capabilities of integration between manned and unmanned aircraft, defined as Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUMT) operations. This demonstration activity took place in the United Kingdom during tests involving a Leonardo AW159 Wildcat helicopter and a semi-autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) supplied by Callen-Lenz Associates.

MUMT operations require the helicopter crew to control a UAV from the cockpit during the mission in a similar way to what normally happens for any of the sensors installed on board. By integrating the UAV into the AW159 Wildcat mission system, Leonardo was able to reduce the workload of pilots by enabling them to focus more on the mission, while maintaining full control of the remotely piloted aircraft. . It is the first time that this capability has been demonstrated in the UK on a military aircraft. Callen-Lenz Associates provided a 'Gateway' type processor as an interface to the semi-autonomous UAV.

The solution developed by Leonardo allows the Wildcat helicopter crew to control both the route and the load of the UAV - therefore its flight behavior and the mission systems installed on the remotely piloted aircraft, a capability known as Interoperability Level 4 - using an efficient and effective interface through the helicopter cockpit itself, replacing the more traditional systems that require much more effort from the operator.

Through the combination of the strengths of manned and remotely piloted aircraft, MUMT capabilities can increase awareness of the operational scenario, the timing with which all actions and maneuvers are performed, operational effectiveness, safety, the composition of the air force, while reducing the workload of pilots and allowing them to focus on the mission.

MUMT operations increase the air support capacity in both land and sea environments and allow the carrying out of extensive and complex missions with a mix of platforms and systems.

The demonstration was part of the British Army's Army Warfighting Experiment (AWE) 19 program and was planned and carried out by the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) in Salisbury Plain in September.

These tests take advantage of the developments made in a simulated environment within the AMS DE-RISC program financed by the Dstl. The MUMT demonstration will benefit the development of further capabilities for the UK Ministry of Defense and Leonardo.

Nick Whitney, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters in the UK, said: “The success of these tests highlights how Leonardo and the UK Ministry of Defense are jointly investing in the future of rotary wing engineering in the country. They also demonstrate the value of a long-term cooperative approach in terms of development capacity ”.

Bryan Finaly, Technical Partner at Dstl, added: “Leonardo and Callen-Lenz performed an extraordinary demonstration by integrating the controls of a UAV into the mission system of the Wildcat helicopter. The clever design of the interface used results in a better managed workload in the cockpit. The demonstration successfully reduced the risks of this technology. This is a fundamental step in building an effective MUMT operational capability ”.

Major Benjamin Thomas, Military Adviser Platform Systems Division at DSTL, commented, “The development of this integrated MUMT solution for the Wildcat has been impressive and translates into important results in our programs. The MUMT capability is undoubtedly capable of revolutionizing air operations in the terrestrial environment, increasing field situational awareness and safety ”.

The constant development and integration of cutting-edge solutions in all areas including remotely piloted, autonomous and semi-autonomous systems and the related technologies, also including MUMT capabilities, represents one of the key elements of Leonardo's BeTomorrow 2030 Strategic Plan . The Company also continues to be at the forefront of vertical flight development in the UK through the Yeovil plant. Leonardo is investing in innovation and new generation technology. The British site is the only one to produce helicopters in the country and designs and builds products for the domestic market and for export. With a long experience in the aeronautical field and over one hundred years at this production facility, Leonardo proudly continues to supply high-tech products to the British Armed Forces.