New hand-launched surveillance system tested at Indiana airfield

  • Published
  • By Sgt. Jessica Duncan
  • 205th Infantry Brigade Public Affairs
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. --  A crew from the Air Force Research Laboratory test flew the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) known as BAT 3 here Oct. 14.
 
The BAT 3 is a system that will assist the military and civilians with surveillance missions. AFRL is using the UAS in the Cooperative Operations in Urban Terrain, or COUTNER program, an effort that seeks to detect threat objects in urban areas.
 
Dr. David C. Gross, a flight director for General Dynamics at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, said a primary reason the BAT 3 is used for the COUNTER program is because it is inexpensive and easy to fly. 

The AFRL team chose Camp Atterbury as their test site because the UAS can only be flown in restricted air space with permission or in uncontrolled air space, Gross said. 

The BAT 3 is launched into the air at 75 miles per hour using the slingshot method, said Staff Sgt. Brian E. Schnurpel, the facility chief for the Camp Atterbury Air Field. While in flight, the UAS is able to survey potential threat targets and feed video telemetry back to a control station operator, who determines whether further investigation by smaller micro air vehicles is necessary. Each UAS is equipped with a GPS and other accessories to include aerial surveillance, night vision and photography. 

The UAS is unable to be heard at 1000 feet, meaning it could fly just a little lower than the Eiffel Tower and not be heard from the ground. 

2nd Lt. Steven A. Delaunois, an engineer for the Air Force Research Laboratory, said he appreciated the rewards of working with the UAS. 

"I feel great about working with something that will save soldiers' lives," he said. It was Delaunois' first time using remote controlled planes, and he said he believes that his skills are improving. 

Delaunois and Gross both said that Camp Atterbury is an ideal testing facility for the COUNTER project because because it is conveniently located to Wright-Patterson.
Gross said working with Camp Atterbury staff has been one of the highlights of doing research here. 

"We have been working with Camp Atterbury since the end of August, and they have been helpful when working with our schedule," he said. "It is also convenient because it is close to home and we do not have to go across the country," said Gross.