UAV UMS SEKLDAR joins forces with ESG to complete Manned – Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) tests

Together with the help of a German Armed Forces helicopter, both UMS SEKLDAR and EMS seek to perform various exercises that demonstrate the capability of manned – unmanned teaming (MUM-T). The tests will be conducted between the Unmanned Mission Avionics Test Helicopter (UMAT) and the Bundeswehr Bell UH-1D Huey manned helicopter.

As part of a live demonstration, ESG Elektroniksystem and UMS SEKLDAR will reveal their technological expertise in the area of manned and unmanned aerial systems. The companies hope to push forward the reconnaissance of manned platforms, by performing the tests in realistic circumstances.

In the joint exercise, the German Army pilot was able to fall back on in-air displays in order to monitor the UMAT payload data and a video stream, while the UMAT position was shown on a Sense & Avoid display/ moving map. The flights were performed thanks to the synergy of data systems like autonomous UMAT systems and route, sensor and data link management.

Christoph Weber, head of the Business Unit Defense and Public Security for ESG Elektroniksystem und Logistik GmbH said: “By partnering with UMS SKELDAR, we have successfully demonstrated to the Bundeswehr a range of manned-unmanned teaming missions [...] This proved both the comprehensive functionality of the manned/unmanned platforms as well as the secure communication and data transmission over the appropriate data links.”

Axel Cavalli-Bjorkman, CEO of UMS SKELDAR explains: “This demonstration project is a significant development and is testament to our enduring relationship with ESG and the long-term partnership with the German Armed Forces in delivering flexible and mission-proven UAV assets. Throughout, we provided real evidence of the development of appropriate technologies and procedures for a wide range of deployment scenarios of the joint Manned-Unmanned team for the German Armed Forces.”

The tests will be accomplished on the airfield of the Wehrtechnische Dienststelle WTD-61, which is located at Manching Air Base near Munich, Germany. ESG has previously flown demonstration flights of the manned aircraft on behalf of the Federal Office for Equipment.

All flights are part of the project MiDEA (mission monitoring by drones for reconnaissance) and were an integral element of the EAS MUM-T programme.