British Army has successfully tested a series of drones: How will this technology change the war? (Video)
The British Army has just completed the test based on herd unmanned aerial vehicle technology. The main idea is that an operator can control multiple UAVs at the same time from one remote control.
A drone is landing on an automated carrier platform. Image credit: British Army (still image from YouTube video)
Tests using a range of drones have been completed in Salisbury, UK. This information has been announced by the British military press service.
Swarm drones have one key advantage: they can be piloted by one operator at a time. While operating together as a team, each drone can also be assigned a separate mission of its own.
As you can see from the video presented above, the new drone is also incorporated with an automatic launch, landing and transport system. The human presence is minimized, although the functionality for the combined human-drone operation is done with the help of specialized software.
During the tests, the military tested two different swarm systems. The first is called Atlas – here, one person controls four drones using a tablet. To complete individual tasks, you need to switch to specific devices. The second system, Elbit, allows a soldier to control up to six UAVs by programming autonomous missions. This means that the entire swarm can focus on a single target, or each drone can be assigned its own individual role.
The British Army tested two main scenarios. The first predictions were that a swarm of drones would provide round-the-clock protection for the perimeter, observing a given object and its surroundings. In the second scenario, the military relies on artificial intelligence linked to the UAV’s mission planning system so that it can monitor and notify the operator of any sighted targets, as well as monitor them if necessary.
The commander of the infantry development and testing unit, Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Doe, says swarm technology will enhance the British military’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. In the future, they plan to use it to launch more precise attacks aimed at enemies at a distance.
“This is a significant achievement for the FCG and the Army. We have now demonstrated the concept that one person can fly six drones, thus reducing the burden on the operator. In the future, we want one operator to control six, twelve, thirty, forty or more drones as part of a more integrated swarm. As we move further with future Army projects, we aim to collaborate between man and machine, which will begin to bring the ground elements as well as the air elements into one system. combined system,” commented UAS engineer Dominic Ferrett.
