The LONGBOW, resulting from the mutual partnership between Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, has recently launched the first production Unmanned Aerial Systems Tactical Common Data Link Assembly (UTA) that was presented to the U.S. Army’s Apache Block III helicopter.
According to the product manager of U.S. Army Apache Block III, Lt. Col. Dan Bailey, the launch of the UTA, which is the first Apache Block III UAS control system, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, represents a supplementary innovation for the Apache, contributing to making decisions on the battlefield.
Following the achievement of the LONGBOW UTA system design and development phase, this innovative two-way, high-bandwidth data link capability has been launched. This UTA allows the aircrews to leverage the sensor and flight path of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, thereby supporting Apache. UTA-equipped Apache aircrews can therefore activate a UAS. Its prolonged operation yields real-time, HD streaming video, recorded on multi-function displays. The performance of LONGBOW Fire Control Radar system can be improved using the new Block III Radar Electronics Unit. The UTA will be deployed on the Apache Block III aircraft in the early 2012.
Northrop Grumman is a well-established global security company renowned for offering innovative products, systems, and solutions related to aerospace, technical services, and information systems to the government and other global commercial customers.
Lockheed Martin is a global security company based in Bethesda, Md. It focuses on manufacture, R&D, development, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. With around 123,000 employees globally, the company provides dynamic customer services.