Results from L-3/Rockwell TCDL flight tests on Predator

Larry Sawyer; David Jenny

doi:10.1117/12.372639

7 December 1999 Results from L-3/Rockwell TCDL flight tests on Predator

Larry Sawyer, David Jenny

Proceedings Volume 3751, Airborne Reconnaissance XXIII; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.372639
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1999, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

The L-3 Communications/Rockwell Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) flight tests were conducted during March/April 1999 using a General Atomics "Predator" UAV. This successful culmination of "phase 2" of the DARPA TCDL program has shown the utility of adapting Common Data Link hardware to provide secure digital command/control and sensor data transmission for a wide class of UAVs as well as manned air vehicles. Use of CDL on UAVs will ensure cross program as well as cross service compatibility, providing the Warfighter with immediate access to real time sensor data regardless of which platforms are operating in theatre. Digital communication enables simple integration of a wide class of new video and (especially) non-video sensors onto UAVs. To provide context for the flight test results, this paper will first provide some background on the CDL program, then review the essential features, capabilities, and growth options of the L-3 Communications/Rockwell TCDL offering. It will then cover results of the test and validation process, from testing in L-3's labs to integration at GA's System Integration Lab, installation of the equipment onto the Predator at El Mirage, taxi testing, initial flight tests as a payload, and finally complete control of the air vehicle while airborne.

Citation Download Citation

Larry Sawyer and David Jenny "Results from L-3/Rockwell TCDL flight tests on Predator", Proc. SPIE 3751, Airborne Reconnaissance XXIII, (7 December 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.372639

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