Command and Control

Use: To allow real time assessment of live firings

Tracking Command and Telemetry Station (TCTS)

Universal Target Systems Ltd (UTSL) low cost Target/UAV tracking system allows full automatic flight for aerial target or surveillance operations out to ranges greater than 80 Km. The system is state of art in design and performance, giving full automatic flight from launcher release to automatic recovery. The system utilises Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS) for positional information, and air vehicle stability, including various sensors fitted in the target or UAV. Data is transmitted between the ground station and air vehicle via a high speed spread spectrum duplex RF link where after processing, the information is displayed on a high-definition colour monitor for the target/UAV operator, or used to send updated information to the air vehicle. Sensors (such as cameras etc.) can be “locked on” to any point of interest where the air vehicle can held in a holding pattern while video information etc can be recorded. An Uninterruptible Power Supply unit (UPS) can be incorporated to allow reliable continuous operation should mains power fail.

The Target or UAV system information is clearly displayed for operator evaluation. Warnings are given if critical systems fall below prescribed levels. Flight data is recorded on hard disc for post flight evaluation

The Tracking Command and Telemetry Station control console provides the operator with the following capabilities:

• Mission programming
• Pre-flight check-out
• In-flight control
• Mission telemetry recording and playback

Mission Programming

Mission programming allows the operator to program flight pattern, presentation legs, alternative courses etc. All the data programmed can be displayed on the various menu driven displays, thus allowing the target operator to effectively manage and survey the mission under preparation

Pre-flight check-out

Target pre-flight checkout can be performed from the Tracking Command and Telemetry Station (TCTS) control console along with Mission Programming. The TCTS control console displays the received telemetry information thereby allowing final pre-flight checkout to be carried out.

In-flight target control

Complete control of the air vehicle is carried out via the Tracking Command and Telemetry Station control console, including launch, carrying out mission profiles to air vehicle recovery.

Typically controlled via waypoints which can be amended or added during flight. There are various commands which can be commanded such as a “hold” function which keeps the air vehicle in a circular holding pattern. Also an “Auto” function which commands the air vehicle to continue to the next waypoint or chosen waypoint. “Land” is also a command where the air vehicle will fly to the designated landing point automatically approaching into wind and cutting the engine and deploying the recovery system without any input from the operator.

Download the full specification sheet here