Project Background
The UK’s Defence Procurement organisation (DE&S), in partnership with UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), approached Level Peaks with a desire to conduct tests of their new Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW) against capable, reliable and expendable Uncrewed Aerial Targets (UATs). The top priority test and evaluation phases for during the RF DEW research and development project required a solution DSTL could rely on. To verify the RF DEW, initial tests needed individual UATs to be repeatedly flown in a tightly defined set of profiles. Success of the RF DEW against individual UATs paved the way to a second phase requirement to test the RF DEW against more challenging ‘swarms’ of UATs each with complex flight profiles. Because the RF DEW utilises Radio Frequencies and was at a discreet testing location on the UK mainland by MoD personnel the UAT needed to comply with both OFCOM and Military Aviation Authority (MAA) legislation prior to testing.
Our Challenge
DSTL required a reliable UAT that was:
- Approved by OFCOM and MAA (Compliant with MAA RA1600).
- Delivered in reasonably large volumes at short notice from contract.
- Easy for soldiers with very little piloting experience to plan and deliver precise flight plans.
- Consistent through testing for calculatable measures of success.
Frequencies for MOD testing and Air safety/worthiness for the MAA are highly regulated and gaining approval is accordingly a challenging and delicate process, particularly as delivery was during a period where the MOD had temporarily halted any UAS procurement.
The Requirement
To deliver a large volume of UATs with the configuration of One control system to One UAT (1:1) in a matter of months, then followed by a second larger quantity now incorporating One control system to Many UATs (1:M).
The UATs had to ensure that they would deliver:
- Accurate, reliable and repeatable flight profiles performed in accordance with the planning software tool.
- UATs that would endure a wide range of inclement UK weather conditions.
- Consistent performance and characteristics of the UAT so that the trials team for the RF DEW could calculate their metrics of success reliably.
- Low technical burden on the pilots to be able to ‘amend and write’ flight plans to multiple UATs at short notice to the flight profiles demanded by the DSTL test team.
- Attritable UATs in volume.
Furthermore, two phases of training would be required:
- Training for MOD pilots online followed by in-person tuition with practical flight experience for the 1:1 configuration.
- Training for MOD pilots on the 1:M in person over a short notice period immediately prior to the live RF DEW tests.
Our Solution
Boresight Targets was identified as the worlds first large volume target provider.
Level Peaks developed an excellent working relationship with Boresight Targets whilst understanding the UATs capabilities and limitations through extensive flying experience.
Level Peaks engaged with the lead test engineers at DSTL to ensure that the solution would be approved across OFCOM and MAA regulations.
Boresight Targets prioritised their manufacturing efforts to deliver 200 x 1:1 UATs and ancillaries for Round 1 by September 2024 and 260 x 1:M UATs and ancillaries for Round 2 by March 2025.
How we Implemented it
Following a MOD tender, the Level Peaks system was selected as the preferred solution. OFCOM and MAA approvals had been met and delivery schedules were agreed upon. Level Peaks received all of the equipment from Boresight Targets in Australia, conducted 100% quality assurance checks (ensure shipping had not affected the systems), and hand delivered batches of UATs direct to the customer on the range. Level Peaks conducted the personal flight experience period with the 1:1 pilots at their test facility for Round 1 with Boresight specialists conducting a deep dive training session in the UK for the MOD pilots on the 1:M system.
Outcome
Boresight UATs have been in service with MOD for over a year. Key outcomes include:
- Boresight UATs being the first autonomous uncrewed aerial target to be approved and used by UK MOD.
- Boresight UATs delivered exact flight profiles by singular and swarm missions as required for the RF DEW testing.
- Consistency at its core, the UATs did not detract from the complex RF DEW tests.
- Evidence of the RF DEW trial and the Boresight UATs can be seen at the DSTL ‘Explainer Video’ linked: DSTL Explainer Video RF DEW Meets Boresight alternatively on the UK MOD LinkedIn page linked: UK MOD Linked In RF DEW & Boresight.
Our Ongoing Support
Level Peaks continues to provide uncrewed aerial targets to customers which has now evolved to support individual unit requirements. Boresight has been used to demonstrate either its capability or to support other technologies capabilities against UAS, most recently at the Dismounted Close Combat Symposium Lethality at COTEC Ranges. Level Peaks and Boresight are stood by to deliver UATs for MOD customers to enhance their tests or training in line with the current UAS threat.
