Lockheed Martin Demonstrates Enhanced Ground Control System and Software for Small Unmanned Aircraft

By Caroline Rees / 25 Apr 2014

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Lockheed Martin’s Group 1 family of unmanned aircraft systems is migrating to enhanced automation capabilities using its Kestrel™ “Fly Light” flight control systems and industry-leading mobile Ground Control Station (mGCS) software. The increased automation allows operators to focus on executing the mission, rather than flying various aircraft.

Lockheed Martin Desert Hawk III (DH-III) small unmanned aircraft system

Lockheed Martin’s Desert Hawk III small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS)

Earlier this year, Lockheed Martin’s Desert Hawk III small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) demonstrated these enhancements by delivering improved situational awareness to operators. The mGCS enhancements also proved to substantially reduce operator workload through an intuitive interface, user-friendly touchscreen and joystick options, as well as a sophisticated set of operator warnings, cautions and advisories.
“The mGCS is a derivative of our proven VCS-4586™ software that focuses on providing capabilities to the small unit level,” said Kevin Westfall, director of unmanned solutions at Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems and Training business. “mGCS is a single, portable system capable of conducting missions that would typically require multiple controllers and federated software applications in order to manage the many different types of UAS.”

mGCS was developed on an open system using commercial off-the-shelf technology that is interoperable with a variety of portable computers, hand controllers, autopilots, data links and sensors. The mGCS software is compliant with NATO’s Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4586 and also includes a full software development kit to provide other UAS manufacturers the ability to add systems and other capabilities without restriction. This significantly eases integration while reducing support and sustainment costs as well.

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Field-Tested: How Far Can the Dronetag RIDER Really Detect?

Dronetag’s latest video sees the RIDER Remote ID receiver put to the test, revealing its real-world detection range and previewing the new generation of Drone Scanner

May 20, 2025
Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WISPR Systems Partners to Advance American-Made UAV Technology

WISPR Systems and NW Blue are joining forces to showcase advanced drone platforms designed for real-world applications, built on American-made innovation and reliability

May 20, 2025
Iridium Introduces 9603 ESBD Module for Secure Government Messaging

Iridium Communications Inc. is launching a U.S. government-specific version of its 9603 module, featuring Enhanced Short Burst Data (ESBD) for secure, low-latency mobile messaging across global defense networks

May 20, 2025
Elistair Awarded Contract to Supply Tethered Drones for Greek Fire Service

Elistair has secured a contract to supply tethered drone systems for integration into Greece’s Mobile Operations Centers, enhancing disaster response capabilities

May 20, 2025
Sunhillo to Deliver Surveillance Data Fusion for BVLOS Test Bed

Sunhillo Corporation has joined ResilienX to support the SAFE-T initiative in Tulsa, delivering surveillance data solutions for autonomous aviation development

May 20, 2025

Featured Content

Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.