ORLANDO - Longbow LLC recently delivered the first production UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) control system, called the Unmanned Aerial Systems Tactical Common Data Link Assembly (UTA) to the U.S. Army for the Apache Block III helicopter. This delivery follows the successful completion of the Longbow UTA system design and development phase. Low-rate initial production is currently underway to equip the first U.S. Army Apache Block III helicopters with this capability.
The Longbow LLC is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Longbow UTA is a two-way, high-bandwidth data link for the Apache that enables aircrews to control the sensor and flight path of a UAS. UTA-equipped Apache aircrews can operate a UAS at long ranges and receive real-time, high-definition streaming video on their multi-function displays. The UTA will be fielded on the Apache Block III aircraft beginning in 2012.
