The Bundeswehr Technical Department for Aircraft and Aviation Equipment (WTD 61) in Manching has systematically examined the potential and technical limits and weaknesses of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAS) in the local area MIKADO using the micro reconnaissance drone introduced in the army. The aim of the investigations on behalf of the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) is to evaluate the system properties as a prerequisite for the further development of existing and the procurement of new systems.
WTD 61 carried out the necessary tests at the Feilenmoos test site in May 2019 together with the Air Force Center for Aerospace Medicine. During the entire process of planning, implementation and evaluation, the test team was supported by, among others, the Camouflage and Deception Technology Base of the Munster Training Center and the Special Forces Command (KSK).
In various tasks, the handling of the aircraft as well as its transportability over various obstacles and the commissioning of the complete drone equipment were tested and evaluated in parallel.
Auf einem Hindernisparcours mussten die Bediener mit vollständiger persönlicher Ausrüstung (incl. Handwaffen) das verpackte Gerät über Geländehindernisse wie Bodenwellen, Gräben und Steigungen transportieren und am Zielort auspacken und in Betrieb nehmen. Hierbei standen Gewicht, Abmessungen und Robustheit des gefüllten Transportbehälters im Fokus, u.a. um die Belastungsgrenzen für die Soldaten sowie die Betriebssicherheit des Geräts darzustellen.
To determine the maneuverability of the UAS, there was a slalom course and several flight tunnels made of half-open tents and camouflage nets. Here, the agility of the aircraft and the control performance of the pilot (controller of the unmanned aircraft, ULfz controller) influenced the performance of the system. Approaches are sought to improve system performance through technical changes and through education/training of the pilot.
Another focus of the testing was evaluating the system's reconnaissance capability. For this purpose, a specially developed “reconnaissance task” was carried out by an experienced ULfz pilot and then evaluated. The task was to reconnaissance and identify various targets in the visual and infrared spectrum using the UAS MIKADO.
For this purpose, targets were set up in various tactical situations. This included target displays in confusing terrain (e.g. meadow with tall grass) and based on buildings. Heated targets were also used to check the reconnaissance capabilities and requirements in the visual and infrared spectral range.
The extensive test results show strengths and weaknesses of the system examined, consisting of the aircraft, controls and operator. During the evaluation, the results are generalized as far as possible and a catalog of requirements for further developments or future systems is developed. The soldiers, as those in need, receive information on how to create realistic military requirements for unmanned reconnaissance systems. This allows the systems to be optimized for the increasingly complex requirements of operations.
Gerhard Heiming
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