Airbus and the Spanish Navy have completed a crewed-uncrewed teaming exercise integrating a naval vessel, helicopter and drones to validate real-time data sharing and multi-domain operational capabilities during a tactical trial in Spain.
As informed, the exercise integrated the offshore patrol vessel Rayo with a Spanish Navy H135 helicopter and two different uncrewed aerial systems, the Airbus Flexrotor and Alpha Unmanned Systems´ A900, using the HTeaming solution.
The exercise validated the real-time control of the drone and sharing of imagery between uncrewed systems, helicopters, and naval vessels to establish a multi-domain operational link. This capability allows the ship to access critical information from areas far beyond its own sensor range directly at the combat station.
During the trials, both uncrewed platforms successfully conducted take-offs and landings from a moving vessel. A pilot onboard the H135 helicopter controlled the drones in flight using the HTeaming tablet, which proved to be platform-agnostic by successfully integrating the Alpha Unmanned Systems A900.
The demonstration featured a simulated high-speed boat chase as part of an ISTAR maritime operation. Both the Airbus Flexrotor and the Alpha A900 tracked the target and transmitted live video feeds to the helicopter and the ship in real time.
All data was integrated into NAIAD, Navantia’s Naval Advanced Integrated Autonomous Vehicles Defence system, which enables command, control, and interoperability across aerial, surface, and underwater systems. NAIAD is embedded within SCOMBA, the Spanish Navy’s combat management system developed by Navantia.
The H135 crew managed the uncrewed platforms using the HTeaming tablet, Airbus Helicopters’ modular crewed-uncrewed teaming solution.
This system empowers crews with full control over UAS in flight, allowing for the integration of uncrewed sensors into crewed operations to improve mission efficiency.
In parallel, data from the UAS was processed through the Helicopter Integrated Tactical System, a tactical console developed by Airbus that acted as a bridge to the vessel. This ensured the information was compatible with the NAIAD/SCOMBA combat system, according to Airbus.
“Airbus Helicopters is committed to exploring new frontiers in crewed-uncrewed teaming that brings real added value to customers,” said Fernando Lombo , Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Spain.
Future developments will continue to build on this success by exploring drone swarm technology and further enhancing the integration between air and sea assets, as well as land transport.