Trillium Engineering’s HD80 sensor payload recently supported the Taiwan Army’s first successful manned-unmanned teaming operation during the annual Divine Eagle Exercise in July.
The live-fire mission brought together Textron Systems’ Aerosonde Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) and an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter to detect, track and engage simulated maritime targets. Integrated aboard the Aerosonde, the HD80 provided stabilized electro-optical imagery and laser capabilities that enabled precision target engagement.
During the exercise, the Aerosonde established forward overwatch ahead of the crewed platform, while the HD80 enabled operators to identify, track and laser designate maritime targets for the Apache helicopter.
The operation demonstrated an effective sensor-to-shooter workflow. An onboard IMSAR NSP-3 SAR/GMTI detected targets through the marine layer at distance before the HD80 was cross-queued to identify the maritime targets in detail and track them. The HD80 then laser-designated the selected target before the Apache engaged it.
By positioning advanced sensing and targeting capabilities aboard the uncrewed aircraft, the Apache crew was able to maintain greater standoff distance until the moment of engagement.
The HD80-MLVS-LD-LRF-LP combines stabilized multi-sensor imaging with integrated laser designation, rangefinding and pointing capabilities. This allows operators to move from observation and identification to tracking, ranging and target designation without changing systems.
According to Trillium, these capabilities are especially valuable in maritime and littoral environments, where maintaining awareness across large operating areas and coordinating between multiple platforms is critical.
The exercise also highlighted the role uncrewed aircraft can play as forward sensing and targeting nodes alongside crewed platforms. Trillium stated that such systems can extend mission reach, provide persistent observation, accelerate target acquisition and support faster coordination across the engagement chain.
Through its continued collaboration with Textron Systems, Trillium is providing imaging and targeting technology intended to support crewed and uncrewed systems operating together with greater precision, awareness and mission effectiveness.
