VIVAERO

Airbus and partners showcase advanced manned-unmanned teaming

Airbus Helicopters, in collaboration with its partners, has successfully demonstrated a cutting-edge manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) system.

This full-scale demonstration, part of the European Union-funded project code-named MUSHER, took place from 30th September 9th October in France and Italy. The event featured multiple manned helicopters and unmanned systems integrated into a single MUM-T network.

“Operating helicopters and unmanned aerial systems in concert provides valuable additional mission capabilities such as increased situational awareness with UAS sharing video in real time for improved decision-making, all while preserving critical assets and resources,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The success of the MUSHER demonstration is a major step forward for our ambition at Airbus which is to field MUM-T capabilities by bringing European industrial know-how together for the benefit of military and civil customers.”

The demonstration was spearheaded by Airbus, which utilised the H130 FlightLab as a manned platform and the VSR700 unmanned aerial system (UAS) at a DGA test range. Leonardo contributed with a helicopter and an optionally piloted vehicle, while Thales, the project coordinator, provided a supervision station and a mission debriefing station. Space Applications Services managed the mission preparation station, Indra led simulation activities, and ONERA conducted studies on crew workload.

Various scenarios were tested during the demonstration, involving simultaneous flights of different aircraft in France and Italy. These missions were based on operational concepts defined by the defence ministries of France, Italy, and Spain. One notable scenario involved an anti-piracy mission where a UAS conducted surveillance and, upon detecting suspicious activity, a manned helicopter took control of the UAS to prepare for intervention.

The in-flight tests aimed to demonstrate interoperability levels (LOI) 2 to 4, ranging from direct receipt of UAS data by manned helicopters and ground stations to the control and monitoring of UAS from helicopters. The demonstration also proved that manned helicopters and UAS from different companies and countries could be integrated into a single MUM-T system.

Launched under the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) by the European Commission in December 2021, the MUSHER project aims to develop a versatile European MUM-T system. This system is designed to operate effectively in various environments—civil, military, or mixed—while reducing crew workload and maximising operational capacity.

www.airbus.com