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February 20, 2003: Ultra MSI was
awarded contracts for the Predator, A160 Hummingbird
and Fire Scout HMI control stations. The Predator is
the most notable remotely piloted aircraft today, based
on its success in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Iraq. The
Predator was designed to provide real-time surveillance
and has recently fired Hellfire missiles successfully,
making it the first Unmanned Combat Vehicle.
Ultra MSI provides two types of pilot
joysticks (2 & 3 axis) for its ground control station,
and has been supplying these since the Predator was
commissioned. The Predator is used by the USAF and U.S.
Navy and will be a key factor in the U.S. Army's Future
Combat Systems (FCS).
The A160 Hummingbird, is a Vertical
Take Off and Landing (VTOL) UAV. It will be used as
part of FCS to carry out surveillance and target acquisition
against ground targets. It will also deploy unmanned
ground sensors (UGS), unmanned ground vehicles (UGV)
and micro air vehicles (MAV). Ultra MSI provides the
ground station Hands on Collective & Stick (HOCAS)
for this UAV.
Northrop Grumman's Fire Scout -
Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle (VTUAV) System - provides unprecedented situation
awareness and precision targeting support for the U.S.
Marine Corps and U.S. Navy. The Model 379 Fire Scout
has the ability to autonomously takeoff and land on
any aviation-capable warship, and at unprepared landing
zones in proximity to the forward edge of the battle
area. The Northrop Grumman Fire Scout System includes
advanced ground control facilities that encompass the
forward deployed Marine Corps Portable Ground Station,
Tactical Datalinks, and Communications, as well as the
U.S. Navy's Tactical Control Station (TCS) developed
for navy ships. Ultra MSI provides the pilot hand control
for all these control stations.
Ultra MSI also provides hand controls
for other UAV's such as Dragon Warrior, Hunter and Pioneer.
Ultra MSI is currently working on several UGV hand control
designs for TACOM and Objective Force Warrior. Applications
range from remotely operated weapons control to robotic
minesweeping.
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