AFRL shares UAV software to further research Published Aug. 30, 2017 By Mindy Cooper Air Force Technology Transfer Program WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – The 711th Human Performance Wing’s Airman Systems Directorate is using an information transfer agreement construct to provide commercial companies with access to its Vigilant Spirit Control Station software package, which allows operators to control multiple unmanned air vehicles, or UAVs, at once. The Department of Defense relies on a variety of UAVs to perform military functions. Similarly, commercial entities use UAVs as a cost-effective solution for numerous activities, including agriculture and forestry management, cellular tower inspection, and landfill monitoring. Because UAVs are piloted remotely, each one comes with operator software from the manufacturer. Typically, software from the manufacturer is proprietary, meaning the customers can’t modify the software source code in order to customize its capabilities. This is one of the reasons the Air Force had an interest in developing a new non-proprietary software capability that can work with multiple groups and brands of UAVs and be easily modified based on operator need. Most importantly, the software is needed to allow operators to maintain multi-vehicle and sensor control. Engineers in the 711HPW’s Supervisory Control & Cognition Branch developed the software with a focus on improved human/machine interface and adaptability. The software package offers multi-role, human-machine teaming and an advanced simulation and training component. It has been used in a variety of Air Force training and research & development activities. “The Vigilant Spirit Control Station, also known as VSCS, was designed with the user experience in mind. We wanted it to be user-friendly, adaptable, and cost effective. It’s providing a unique advanced capability for future DoD UAV systems,” said Greg Feitshans, the chief engineer and program director for the software. Because the source code is able to be modified depending on operator need, the software is an important research and development tool for both the Air Force and commercial UAV companies. As a result, the 711HPW has entered into five information transfer agreements, also known as ITAs, with different commercial companies, with several more ITAs in the pipeline. The agreements allow researchers from the companies to use the software while protecting the Air Force’s intellectual property rights. An ITA with Bihrle Applied Research Inc. has become essential for continued testing of the integration of VSCS and the Jointly Optimal Conflict Avoidance sense and avoid algorithm. A team from Bihrle Applied Research is working with AFRL Aerospace Systems Directorate on the project. “Having access to the software allows our algorithm development team to operate and observe the algorithm’s dynamic interaction with the software controls and display functions in real time and under different encounter scenarios,” said Jacob Kay, the director of sense and avoid technologies at Bihrle Applied Research. “This first-hand experience with VSCS greatly expedites our development, testing, and refinement process.” “By allowing government and commercial users to enter into such ITAs, VSCS is more likely to be adopted as a preferred software for controlling multiple UAVs,” said Dr. James Kearns, the 711HPW Technology Transfer Program Manager. “The 711HPW also benefits by retaining control of its software while having access to any software enhancements developed by users under the agreements.” For more information on ITAs or other technology transfer opportunities, please call 937-904-9830.