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U.S. ARMY APACHE
Over the Horizon and Beyond Line-of-Sight
By Hal Klopper
Carole Thompson Photo
Editors note: The U.S. Army currently refers to unmanned aerial vehicles as UAVs. Because of the growing complexity and sophistication of these unmanned aircraft, the term "unmanned aerial system" – or UAS – is gradually the replacing the familiar UAV acronym.
The U.S. Army's Apache Block III program leaders are checking lists, reviewing data, testing technologies and proving capabilities in anticipation of successful completion of the program milestones that will lead to production of the first helicopter and ultimately 634 AH-64D Apache Block III helicopters for the U.S. Army. One key capability of the Block III helicopters' performance for aviators and soldiers is Level 4 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) control.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Tactical Control is identified in five levels – from receipt and transmission of secondary imagery and data to full control and operation including takeoff and landing. The five levels (with each successive level incorporating the functionality of all lower levels) of interoperability are identified as:
- Level 1 – indirect receipt and transmission of UAV-related imagery or data
- Level 2 – direct communications with the UAV for receipt of imagery or data
- Level 3 – control and monitoring of the UAV payload
- Level 4 – control of the UAV, except for takeoff and landing
- Level 5 – full function and control of the UAV to include takeoff and landing
In the summer of 2009, testing was completed with the prototype of the Apache Block III proving that Apache pilots will have in the cockpit, at arm's reach, the ability to control an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) – to see what the UAV sees, to direct its flight path, and to control and employ its payload of sensors and weapons.
Bringing UAV control into the Apache cockpit addresses emerging mission requirements for mission agility; reconnaissance endurance; and payload accuracy and monitoring. Connectivity and control of the UAV will deliver information to the Apache crew, providing imagery for surveillance, reconnaissance and target-acquisition thereby increasing overall situational awareness. With the Apache's well-established ability to communicate and share information, UAV control will assist commanders by providing common operating information that will aid line-of-sight (LOS), non-LOS and beyond LOS targeting.
Prior to demonstrating the Apache Block III's Level 4 UAV control capability, extensive research and testing was performed in the Boeing simulation facility with US Army Apache pilots getting hands on experience to validate and verify the engineers' concept design and the program leaders' objectives. Engineers integrating the capability into the cockpit controls treated the UAV as a remote sensor, using existing controls, displays and the same procedures as for operating the aircraft's other sensors including the FLIR and laser. This makes the UAS integration on Apache Block III more seamless and intuitive, addressing key field issues with current UAV control, and enabling capabilities such as automatic target handoff and weapons cueing between the Apache and the UAV.
And the plan, now proven and verified, is to provide greater capability, enhanced interoperability and increased survivability and reduce the crew workload. Level 4 UAV control is not a remote-controlled aircraft, it's set up like a wingman with an operational flight plan that can be modified as required by the Apache's pilots.
Understanding that flying the helicopter, utilizing the sensor technology and employing the weapons payload is just a part of their job description, Apache pilots are in the air providing support to the troops on the ground. Having UAV connectivity and control will enhance the Apache crew's effectiveness and ability to deliver decisive firepower and the situational awareness that can protect the lives of soldiers and decide the final outcome of a conflict.