Tactical Common Data Link Demonstrates Airborne Interoperability in Apache-Hunter Teaming

L-3 Communications, NEW YORK: L-3 Communications announced today that a Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) developed by its Communication Systems-West (CS-West) division was used to remotely command and control a Hunter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from an Apache helicopter as part of the Hunter Standoff Killer Team (HSKT) Advanced Concept Technology Development (ACTD). L-3 Communications supported the integration of the TCDL and the flight-testing of both aircraft under an agreement with the U.S. Army's Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD). 
 
The demonstration achieved Level IV UAV control, commanding and controlling both the UAV and its sensor payload from the airborne manned aircraft. The flight was a milestone in U.S. Army aviation history, the first time a UAV has been controlled from a U.S. Army Aviation helicopter through a TCDL. The Longbow Apache carried out its mission using high quality video from the Hunter at a range of more than 65 km. 
 
“This achievement shows the U.S. Army has the technology to carry out advanced UAV missions,” said Curtis Brunson, president and general manager of CS-West. “L-3 TCDL systems give U.S. Army Aviation pilots better situational awareness from sensors flying on UAVs in the area, and the means to connect to ground forces via the Rover III.” 
 
CS-West, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the pre-eminent supplier of wide band data links and mobile SHF and Ku-band airborne satellite terminals for military applications in the world. CS-West has over 40 years experience in providing robust, mobile microwave, satellite terminals and wide band data links for airborne platforms including both manned and unmanned platforms, operating in a variety of environments.  
 
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services. The company is a leading merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products, including guidance and navigation, sensors, scanners, fuzes, data links, propulsion systems, simulators, avionics, electro optics, satellite communications, electrical power equipment, encryption, signal intelligence, antennas and microwave components. L-3 also supports a variety of Homeland Security initiatives with products and services. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. Government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors.