Ground Control Stations

MALAT Advanced Ground Control Stations (AGCS) are designed with subsystem modularity and commonality, enabling users to extend mission range, capability and endurance by adding common modules. The basic AGCS can control a full UAV mission with a single operator.  The more commonly used configuration uses two operators either in a split control role: One controlling the UAV and one controlling the mission payload, or either split between a mission commander and a mission operator mode. Each GCS can control one airborne platform, or two in relay operation, with a variety of payloads. Computerized work-stations and menu-driven software are used to facilitate the man/machine interface. Built-in test equipment reports LRU failures that can be rectified without interrupting a mission.

In addition the AGCS incorporates an embedded simulator for operator proficiency training and mission planning and debriefing tools.

The inherent modularity of the AGCS enables optional work-stations to be added in order to serve as Mission commander bay, intelligence interpreters bay, etc… For controlling UAVs with multi payload capability, additional workstations can be integrated for operators of other mission specific payloads such as: SAR, MPR, COMMINT, ESM,etc.

Multiple AGCS configurations have been fielded, with various additional functions such as embedded C4I connectivity (receive and distribute relevant mission data from/to external C4I entities) and the capability to control two UAVs, using two separate data-links. 

The AGCS controls a variety of air vehicles including Hunter, Ranger, Searcher Mk I, Searcher Mk II, Heron, Heron TP and the I-View UAS family members.

Depending on the customer’s operational concept, the whole mission cycle (including automatic takeoff and landing) can be performed from the AGCS. If required, a dedicated Advanced Launch and Recovery System (ALRS) can also be provided, to perform the automatic takeoff and landing and to hand the control over to the AGCS that is deployed at a forward site.

Another optional control station is the AMRS (Active Mobile Receiving Station) that offers the capability to allocate the E/O payload control to forward forces.

The automatic take-off and landing (ATOL) function is standard in the AGCS. It minimizes human errors during these phases and reduces the cost of operator training. A variety of ATOL sensors including DGPS, RAPS (a laser tracker sensor) or RADAR based sensor may be used.

Multiple operational Automatic takeoff and landing modes are operated by the AGCS depending on the UAV system or the operational scenario: Wheeled runway takeoff, launcher takeoff, rocket assisted takeoff, Wheeled Runway landing, Skid landing or precision controlled Parafoil landing in an unprepared zone.

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