The US Army's Applied Aviation Technology Directorate (AATD) has been experimenting with a VTOL UAV Testbed based on the Vigilante autonomous helicopter since July of 2001. The UAV system is used to explore manned-unmanned teaming between helicopters, weaponization concepts, and the integration of unmanned helicopters into the aviation infrastructure. The status of a recently completed test program is discussed herein. Significant achievements include regular operation of a tactical-sized VTOL UAV at an active Army airfield, complete (TCS Level 5) control of the UAV and pay load from an airborne control station, and firing of Hydra 70 rockets from a VTOL UAV while under control of a UH-1 mothership.rnA description of the UAV / UH-1 testbed system and payloads is provided. The scope and results of testing are discussed including; performance, reliability, and maintainability assessments of the UAV and Mission Equipment Package, airborne control of the UAV, weapons launching, and integration of the UAV into the aviation infrastructure at Felker Army Airfield (KFAF).
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