This paper presents results from US Air Force Test Pilot School's initial phase of development of an organic remote-piloted aircraft (RPA) testing capability. The project tested and developed a surrogate RPA as a tool to support future Test Pilot School curriculum events. The surrogate RPA was the Calspan LJ-25 Variable Stability Simulator (VSS), which used a UHF line of sight datalink to input commands from a TPS-based ground control station (GCS) directly into the Learjet's autopilot. The GCS pilot-vehicle interface (PVI) was an interim solution that used toggle switches rather than a typical stick and rudder. Testing was completed through two dedicated ground events and six flight test sorties. As tested, this initial configuration demonstrated nothing to preclude continued development for the School's curriculum. The datalink exceeded range predictions and was relatively reliable during the maneuvers tested. The autopilot response was predictable but the autonomous track geometry was oscillatory. The prototype interface forced extensive compensation from the remote pilot and required inputs from the Learjet aircrew for airspace awareness, maneuver coaching and datalink maintenance. The entire system did enable remote pilot control to a 200 foot above ground level (AGL) landing approach.
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