UAS Weaponization Technology Pathfinder Program: AMPM UTP

Jim Springer; Terry Thomas; Douglas Gregory; Steve Low; Jaye Bass

doi:10.4271/2012-01-2122

Under AMRDEC's Aviation Multi-Platform Munition Program (AMPM) Science and Technology Program, a “Shadow Hawk” munition (developed by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control) was commanded and released using AMRDEC's Universal Test Pod (UTP) and successfully impacted the designated ground target. The UTP program pioneered usage of OSD Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Control Segment (UCS) Architecture Mission Effects Sub-domain and standardized STANAG 4586 weapon control messages that formed the basis of OSD's Data Link IP (draft). The UTP employed the Universal Armaments Interface (UAI) implemented in the UTP stores management system, which provides a developmental universal, open-architecture weapon interface.

This was the first demonstration of a precision-guided weapon released from a RQ-7B Shadow UAS. It also marks the first-time that UAI protocol, Army/OSD standard weapon data link messages and a weapon control application built to the UCS Architecture Model were used in commanding a small precision-guided weapon from a UAS platform.

AMRDEC's Universal Test Pod, developed in partnership with “Dynetics Incorporated”, “General Dynamics - Advanced Information Systems”, and “Torch Technologies Incorporated”, demonstrates the universal, open-standard attributes of the OSD's Weapons Universal Systems Interoperability Profile (USIP) and OSD's UAS UCS Architecture. An open-standard offers quicker and less-expensive adaptation of new weapons and instills greater competition by publishing weapon interface requirements, without the constraints of single point solution proprietary interfaces and restrictions.

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UAS Weaponization Technology Pathfinder Program: AMPM UTP 2012-01-2122

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