OWEGO, N.Y., April 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed
Martin's (NYSE: LMT) Group 1 family of unmanned aircraft systems is
migrating to enhanced automation capabilities using its Kestrel™
"Fly Light" flight control systems and industry-leading mobile
Ground Control Station (mGCS) software. The increased automation
allows operators to focus on executing the mission, rather than
flying various aircraft.
Earlier this year, Lockheed Martin's Desert Hawk III small
unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) demonstrated these enhancements by
delivering improved situational awareness to operators. The
mGCS enhancements also proved to substantially reduce operator
workload through an intuitive interface, user-friendly touchscreen
and joystick options, as well as a sophisticated set of operator
warnings, cautions and advisories.
"The mGCS is a derivative of our proven VCS-4586™ software that
focuses on providing capabilities to the small unit level," said
Kevin Westfall, director of unmanned
solutions at Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems and Training
business. "mGCS is a single, portable system capable of conducting
missions that would typically require multiple controllers and
federated software applications in order to manage the many
different types of UAS."
mGCS was developed on an open system using commercial
off-the-shelf technology that is interoperable with a variety of
portable computers, hand controllers, autopilots, data links and
sensors. The mGCS software is compliant with NATO's Standardization
Agreement (STANAG) 4586 and also includes a full software
development kit to provide other UAS manufacturers the ability to
add systems and other capabilities without restriction. This
significantly eases integration while reducing support and
sustainment costs as well.
With more than five decades experience in unmanned and robotic
systems, Lockheed Martin offers multiple solutions for air, land
and sea. From the depths of the ocean to the rarified air of the
stratosphere, Lockheed Martin's unmanned systems help our military,
civil and commercial customers accomplish their most difficult
challenges.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md.,
Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that
employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally
engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture,
integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems,
products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2013 were
$45.4 billion.
For additional information, visit our
website:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com
SOURCE Lockheed Martin