Ground Control Stations: The VCS-4586 and the DDMS

The Ground Control Station (GCS) I have selected for this weeks blog is the Vehicle Control System (VCS) 4586 (GCS software) paired with the UAV Factory’s Dual Display Mobile Station (DDMS) (GCS hardware).  The VCS-4586 is produced by Lockheed Martin CDL Systems.  The VCS-4586 is a software suite capable of running on a wide variety of standard computer hardware and on Windows, Linux, and Solaris operating systems.  The VCS-4586 GCS can provide control to UASs, UGSs, and UMSs.  For the purpose of this blog post, I will focus on UGS and UMS capabilities.

The VCS-4586 supports real-time sensor video and telemetry.  The user interface allows operators to view sensor video by clicking the icon tagged to the sensors geographical position.  The system supports analog NTSC and PAL video streams, along with digital MPEG-2 and H.265 streams. 

The VCS-4586 reduces the workload of mission management.  The user interface allows operators to chart UGS and UMS routes, manage targets, and plot restriction zones.  3-D representations of routes are visualized on the monitor, and terrain elevation is accounted for.  The vehicle management system “allows for multiple vehicle control from as little as one ground control operator workstation” (Lockheed Martin, 2015).  Navigation of multiple vehicles is accomplished through point and click.  The VCS-4586 has been used to operate UMSs such as the Meggitt Training Systems Canada Barracuda, Hammerhead, and the Vindicator.   It has also been used to operate the General Dynamics Canada FORESIGHT (UGS).

In my opinion, the VCS-4586 is a powerful GCS software solution.  Its ability to function with many different platforms making it valuable to governments and organizations operating many types of unmanned systems.  The H.265 video codec features powerful compression for streaming video at ultra high definition up to 8K.        

            Although the VCS-4586 will function on many hardware setups, I think it will complement the UAV Factory’s Dual Display Mobile Station (DDMS).  The DDMS is a portable GCS built with off the shelf parts.  The 1000 x 420 x 170 mm GCS weighs 18.9 kg.  It is centered on a Panasonic CF-31 Toughbook, and features a secondary display and a modular electronics compartment for the connection of a data link or other required hardware such as video recorders, data acquisition devices, or data storage devices.  The DDMS features two USB ports, one Ethernet port, two serial ports, two video inputs, one VGA port, on microphone input, and one audio output.

            The DDMS is built with an expeditionary mindset that features hard shell protective case and hot swappable lithium ion batteries capable of a 30-minute quick charge.  The DMMS has an accessory bag, making “it convenient to carry small components and accessories such as a joystick, mouse, wiring, antennas, [or] external GPS antenna” (UAV Factory, 2015).            

            In my opinion, there are not many drawbacks to the DDMS because it is easily upgradable due to its off-the-shelf design.  The UAV Factory does not mention if the case is waterproof.  A waterproof pelican case for the DDMS would help prevent potential damage.  

References:

Lockheed Martin (2015). Ground Control Operator Software for Unmanned Vehicle Systems. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed/data/ms2/documents/cdl-systems/LM%20CDL%20Systems_Brochure_August_2013.pdf. [Last Accessed 21 February, 2015].

Lockheed Martin (2015). VCS-4586 CAPABILITIES GUIDE. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed/data/ms2/documents/cdl-systems/VCS-4586%20CAPABILITIES%20GUIDE-August2013.pdf. [Last Accessed 21 February, 2015].

UAV Factory (2015). Portable Ground Control Station. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.uavfactory.com/product/16. [Last Accessed 21 February, 2015 ].