Cambridge Pixel has successfully collaborated with BAE Systems to support live aircraft trials through the supply of precision tracking technology.
For the past five years, Cambridge Pixel’s SPx Fusion Server and ASD-100 air situation display software have played a key role in BAE Systems’ test and evaluation processes for the company’s aerospace technology. These trials involve transmitting real-time telemetry data from aircraft back to ground stations by aiming a directional antenna at the airborne platform.
In normal operations, this telemetry antenna is automatically tracked to follow the aircraft’s position. However, interruptions in tracking can occur if the aircraft flies behind terrain or out of line-of-sight range. To address this challenge, BAE Systems engaged Cambridge Pixel to deliver a system that provides robust fallback tracking based on transponder data.
Cambridge Pixel’s solution ingests ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) data from multiple receivers, and SPx Fusion Server correlates this information, passing the fused track into the ASD-100 display.
ASD-100 allows the operator to select the target of interest, calculating a real-time bearing and elevation relative to a known reference location. This positional information is then used to steer the telemetry antenna back onto the aircraft with high precision, re-establishing the live data link quickly and reliably.
The system has proven itself through consistent, fault-free operation, demonstrating the robustness and reliability required in military test environments. As part of the ongoing collaboration, BAE Systems continues to receive maintenance and support, including access to the latest software features and updates from Cambridge Pixel.
The Ground Systems Lead Engineer for BAE Systems commented, “Cambridge Pixel’s system has become a trusted part of our flight test infrastructure. It provides us with a reliable way to recover telemetry links in challenging environments, and the ongoing support ensures we stay up to date with evolving requirements.”
David Johnson, Director at Cambridge Pixel, added, “We are proud to support BAE Systems with technology that plays a vital role in their flight test programme. This project is a great example of how our products can be integrated into complex aerospace environments to solve real-world challenges in tracking and sensor control.”
