MUM-T labs to develop systems, operational concepts

Textron's newly established laboratories in Huntsville, Alabama, will be used to develop manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) technologies and devise tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for these systems.

The Textron Systems Integration and Collaboration Lab and the Bell Helicopter/AAI (both operating units of Textron) Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manned/Unmanned Operations capability development lab were officially opened in December 2012 and feature a range of live, simulated, and constructive assets. The facilities have been located at Redstone due to the customer base in the area.

Speaking to IHS Jane's, Bell Helicopter's director of military business development, Mike Miller, said that the lab had been established largely in response to the US Army's increasing emphasis on MUM-T, most notably with the move to formally organise Kiowa Warrior scout helicopters and RQ-7B Shadow UAVs as combined units, "As we saw that evolve we thought we needed a capabilities lab where we could start to work on the tactics, techniques and procedures, and the future development of [STANAG 4586] level 3 and level 4 control."

The two labs – which are collocated – are equipped with a range of interoperable systems including Shadow hardware-in-the-loop and maintenance trainers and a rudimentary Kiowa helicopter simulator.