Patria and Schiebel have been working together to integrate Patria’s sophisticated Compact Airborne Networking Data Link (CANDL) communication network onto the CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS). The two European companies’ joint effort is the first step of an ongoing program of work examining how the CAMCOPTER® S-100 can be deployed to directly support manned helicopter operations.
Patria’s CANDL provides a solid backbone to explore the benefits of Manned-UnManned Teaming (MUM-T) operations, where the combined strengths of each air asset can be optimized to increase overall situational awareness and enhance decision making.
“The need for networking between several assets was one of the main design drivers for CANDL. MUM-T operations are the latest trend benefiting from CANDL’s unparalleled network characteristics”, says Simo Mäkipaja, Senior Vice President, Business Development at Patria, Systems Business Unit.
“Using the unmanned element of a MUM-T operation to provide both the forward and higher altitude view will help to keep pilots and the manned assets safe as well as improve overall mission effectiveness”, adds Schiebel’s Chief Technical Officer Chris Day.