The uncrewed systems involved in the trial were the Airbus Flexrotor and Alpha Unmanned Systems’ A900. Airbus said the exercise validated real-time drone control and imagery sharing between uncrewed aircraft, helicopters and naval vessels.
The capability allows a ship to receive critical information from areas beyond the range of its own sensors directly at the combat station. It is intended to create a multi-domain operational link between air and sea assets.
During the trial, both uncrewed platforms conducted take-offs and landings from the moving vessel. A pilot inside the H135 controlled the drones in flight using the HTeaming tablet, which Airbus said demonstrated its ability to integrate the Alpha Unmanned Systems A900.
The demonstration included a simulated high-speed boat chase during an ISTAR maritime operation. The Flexrotor and Alpha 900 tracked the target and transmitted live footage to both the helicopter and the ship.
The data was integrated into NAIAD, Navantia’s Naval Advanced Integrated Autonomous Vehicles Defence system for unmanned vehicles. NAIAD enabled command, control and interoperability of aerial, surface and underwater systems within SCOMBA, the Spanish Navy’s combat management system developed by Navantia.
“Airbus Helicopters is committed to exploring new frontiers in crewed-uncrewed teaming that brings real added value to customers,” said Fernando Lombo, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Spain.
“The close collaboration between pioneering companies such as Airbus, Navantia, and Alpha Unmanned Systems, combined with the trust of public entities like the Spanish Navy, shows our shared potential to strengthen Europe’s role as a sovereign leader in defence,” Lombo added. “By working together, we are proving that we can deliver the innovative technology necessary to secure a leading position on the global stage.”
The H135 crew managed the uncrewed platforms through HTeaming, Airbus Helicopters’ modular crewed-uncrewed teaming system. The solution gives crews control over uncrewed aircraft in flight and allows uncrewed sensors to be incorporated into crewed operations.
Data from the uncrewed systems was also processed through the Helicopter Integrated Tactical System, a tactical console developed by Airbus. The system acted as a bridge to the vessel and ensured the information was compatible with the NAIAD and SCOMBA combat systems.
Airbus said future work will build on the demonstration by exploring drone swarm technology. The company also plans to further improve integration between air and sea assets, as well as land transport.
