AME Unmanned Air Systems wins Navy contract for Joint Interoperable Target Control System interface for unmanned vehicle control

Posted by Courtney E. Howard

POINT MUGU, Calif., 14 July 2011. The AME Unmanned Air Systems (AME UAS) team won a three-year, follow-on contract to continue development of Joint Interoperable Target Control System (JITCS) standard interfaces for the Common Interface Target Control System (CITCS). The CITCS enables a single ground system with a Joint Interoperable Target Control System Standard Interface (JITCSSI) to control one or more Navy targets. AME UAS engineers will integrate new and emerging technologies into target platform and control systems, as directed by Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) officials, to achieve optimum capability and interoperability in integrated unmanned system control, says a spokesperson.

The Target Control Steering Group (TCSG) initiative promotes interoperability of Target Control Systems across all services and target platforms with an open-architecture approach.

The U.S. Navy has implemented the Data Link Interface of JITCSSI on seaborne targets, and on the Pioneer UAV target. The CITCS design also provides a common interface for targets, enabling single or multiple target control in a military UHF band, using a STANAG 4586 data link format or Joint Interoperable Target Control System Standard Interface (JITCSSI) Data Link Interface (DLI) data link format.

"The Target Control System was demonstrated by operating and controlling a BQM-74E target drone configured with a STANAG 4586 data link,” says John Chernekoff, AME UAS program manager. “The JITCS Contract will enable us to continue to expand the capability of this system, apply it to other aircraft, and provide a vehicle for the DOD to save money and time in unmanned aircraft integration."

The Joint Interoperable Target Control System—offering interchangeability, common hardware and software, and lower operating costs—includes ground-based and airborne elements, and can be used at different test ranges with various targets through the use of standard interfaces, modular software, and quick site-specific software installation.

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