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The Apache Project Office and Redstone Test Center are teaming up and using a combination of manned and unmanned aircraft imagery to help pilots have greater situational awareness while in the air.
Manned-Unmanned Teaming allows pilots to stream real-time video obtained from Unmanned Aerial Systems like the Shadow or Gray Eagle. The video from the UAS is basically sent to the pilots in the helicopters in real time, allowing them to see their situation from more than one angle.
This technology is something that the Apache team has wanted to develop for quite some time, and they turned to Redstone Test Center for help. The result of RTC’s effort is the Apache Manned-Unmanned Diagnostics Tool, or AMDT.
The AMDT is basically a video stream analyzer which watches the video that comes in from both the helicopters and the UAS aircraft.
“The AMDT is like a mobile Youtube which allows us to receive and send both Apache and UAS video data,” said Ben Hall, of RTC Special Projects, via press release. “This creates the opportunity to capture and playback video to both the Apache and/or UAS adding increased test capability.”
There are plans to integrate the AMDT into future testing and training.
Source: Redstone Alabama