A systems approach to Vertical Take-off Unmanned Aerial Vehicle design for interoperability

The capabilities of ‘Unmanned Systems’ (USs) are presently at various stages of technological development and in-service trials. The induction of USs in future ‘Network-Centric Warfare’ (NCW) requires interoperability, the ability of multiple systems to exchange information, to be addressed for enhanced mission effectiveness. To provide effective in-service induction with low life-cycle costs of operation and support, interoperability is to be addressed in the conceptual design process.

The focus of this research is on the conceptual design of ‘Vertical Take-off Unmanned Aerial Vehicles’ (VTUAVs). The traditional helicopter design methodology was re-visited to encompass interoperability design requirements in the conceptual phase. The research covers the following: (a) Holistic investigation of interoperability issues governing VTUAV operations; (b) System hierarchy development for identification of the mission payload and vehicle components of an interoperable VTUAV; (c) Interoperable architecture development from a ‘Network Centric Operations’ (NCO) perspective; and (d) Verification of the interoperable VTUAV design methodology through a conceptual design exercise – case study on Counter- ‘Improvised Explosive Devices’ (IEDs) operations by VTUAV and UGV.

The research updated the interoperable VTUAV design methodology and provided the following key contributions: (a) Identification of pre-emptive and situational mission requirements to maximise mission effectiveness for a stipulated operational need and environment; (b) Mission systems hierarchy and structure for identification of an enhanced mission payload through synergistic integration of on-board and off-board systems; (c) Interoperability architecture that complies with NATO interoperability standards; and (d) Vehicle system hierarchy and structure for design of vehicle components to meet design constraints and the stipulated mission requirements for optimising interoperability.

The methodology developed for interoperable VTUAV design provides the avenue to achieve an optimal interoperable conceptual design – critical for integration of systems for NCW and total system effectiveness.