During the tests, the system evaluated the functionality of the drones, assessing the risk of malfunction through a Mission Criticality Index (MCI). This innovative approach enabled Airbus engineers at the LHMS ground station to detect anomalies in real-time, evaluating the drones’ likelihood of successfully completing real missions.
Airbus has developed a new solution that monitors the condition of drones & fighter jets & displays with the Mission Critical Index (MCI) whether they are able to fulfill & complete their mission. The Live Health Monitoring System (LHMS) will support the development of #FCAS. pic.twitter.com/rQPFLB5VEa
— Airbus Defence (@AirbusDefence) December 13, 2023
With the successful completion of this flight test campaign, Airbus is set to advance the LHMS by enhancing its predictive algorithms, integrating AI-based decision support, and ensuring the system’s compatibility in networked environments involving both drones and fighter jets.
The LHMS is poised to play a crucial role in the FCAS, which includes the integration of a New Generation Fighter (NGF) and Remote Carrier (RC) drones into a Next-Generation Weapon System (NGWS). This system will be interconnected with various platforms on the ground, at sea, in the air, in space, and in cyberspace through a data cloud. By providing a comprehensive overview of the condition of these platforms and forecasting their future state, LHMS aims to significantly improve their reliability. The system will also consider current and planned missions, which could expedite the turnaround time for these crafts, enabling quicker redeployment after missions.
