Targets and Decoys

A good example would be the use of autonomous, semi-autonomous or teleoperated targets on aircraft or vehicle-based ranges. Existing systems use Limited capability moving targets either running on rails or on basic remote-control trolleys, with the most advanced systems performing only basic GPS waypoint following. These fall short of the realism required for in-depth training.

On behalf of the US Air Force, DCE designed and supplied a digitisation kit for a M998 HMMWV or ‘Humvee’ using the Marionette^TM control system at its core with a dedicated Al interface. The HMMWV was chosen by the US Air Force due to its cost, availability and ruggedness; over a quarter of a million units have been built and are deployed globally, the vast majority suitable for conversion. Key to the conversion was the ability to drive the vehicle either remotely or Locally without further configuration, and the ability to control the vehicle up to its maximum speed of over 100kph, as well as to make use of the vehicle’s high mobility. As with other Marionette^T4 conversions, the vehicle itself is not modified in any way, such that any vehicle can be upgraded but then later returned to the same condition.

Along with our partners (TP Group and Mountain Horse Solutions) this fully-autonomous bombing target solution was successfully demonstrated directly to the US Air Force with one of their vehicles on an active bombing range. Conversion of the vehicle, in the field, was demonstrated within 3 man-hours. Missions were performed across a variety of environments including GPS-denied and night/blackout conditions using a combination of localisation techniques including LIDAR and RADAR.

As part of the project, an analysis and preliminary integration assessment was completed for ultra-realistic missions including vehicles such as the T-72 Main Battle Tank, URAL truck, BMP series Armoured Personnel Carriers and ZSU 23 series platforms.