Tactical Decision Support for UAV Deployment in MUM-T Helicopter Missions : Problem analysis and System Requirements

Abstract

At the University of the Bundeswehr Munich (UBM) a current field of research is in the area of military helicopter missions utilizing Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), i.e., the coupling of a manned helicopter with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The focus lies in a task-based-guidance concept and a mixed-initiative planning module to support the crew onboard the helicopter to command UAVs. This article presents issues on the current system found by a conducted and evaluated experimental campaign with German military pilots. The analysis of the outcomes provides empirical evidence for a need of a tactical situation analysis support system to be incorporated in the current system architecture. The aim is to support the crew in the decision-making on how to use the UAVs to achieve an increasing survivability for the helicopter crew and success rate in accomplishing the mission. We present the findings of the experiments and outline requirements for the system needed for situation assessment and decision-making on a tactical level to support the deployment of the UAVs in transport helicopter missions for MUM-T scenarios.