<title>UAV battlefield interoperability</title>

Abstract

A primary role of the Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), within the battlefield theater of operation, is one of reconnaissance and surveillance. The communication system necessary to provide battlefield information consists of a collection sensor, a data link, and a ground processing system where data processing and exploitation are performed. As the demand for accurate battlefield reconnaissance increases, so does the need for the UAV to perform multiple missions for a variety of military users. This multi-mission capability can only be accomplished if the users' communication systems are common and interoperable. This poses quite a challenge since the UAV sensor may vary from chemical to multi-mode electro- optic/IR. To address this challenge, this paper explores the approach of deploying Paramax Systems Common Data Link a as part of the overall communication strategy. This type of system will allow UAV's to perform multiple missions with a variety of sensors while maintaining commonality and interoperability across military services.