The standard GCS has pilot and payload operator stations, redundant control, heads-up display, multi-function workstations with data exploitation, mission planning, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) control. The standard GCS is transportable in a C-130 utility aircraft.
Multi-Aircraft Control (MAC) of Four Aircraft From One GCS capability accommodates one pilot and four sensor operators; the pilot can choose which aircraft is under direct control. The control station's four sensors operators manipulate sensors with point-and-click commands. This is an Air Force system.
The High Mobility Ground Control Station blends two Portable Ground control Stations in a mobile shelter, controls UAVs over ranges as far as 125 miles, is rapidly deployable, and transportable in C-130 aircraft. The U.S. Army uses this system.
Portable Ground Control Station is suitcase-portable and weighs less than 100 pounds. It accommodates one operator, who flies the UAV and controls its sensors, and provides complete UAV control from launch to recovery.
Multi-Function Workstation helps perform mission planning, data exploitation, radar control, video recording, video and data archiving, and can function as a stand-alone system or be integrated into a UAV ground control station.
On the current contract, General Atomics Aeronautical will do the work in Poway, Calif. For more information contact General Atomics Aeronautical Systems online at www.ga-asi.com.
