Textron Systems and Textron Aviation Defense announced their successful integration of the former’s SYNTURIAN mission control system with the SCORPION jet aircraft, demonstrating manned-unmanned teaming capabilities. Together, Synturian command and control technologies and the Scorpion jet take this capability to the next-level – increasing Textron Systems’ Level of Interoperability (LOI) from 3 to 4, while enabling multi-vehicle command and control from a moving airborne asset
During the rapid proof of concept demonstration, the team installed SYNTURIAN software — a vital element of Textron Systems’ new family of multi-domain control and collaboration technologies — into the cockpit mission computer of the SCORPION aircraft. The team simulated a NIGHTWARDEN Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System and an AEROSONDE Small Unmanned Aircraft System for the demonstration, which featured flight acquisition and control of the simulated air vehicles and sensors up to Level of Interoperability (LOI) 4. Using SYNTURIAN, the SCORPION aircrew set up flight route waypoints, established surveillance orbits, steered the sensor and changed the unmanned aircraft heading, airspeed and altitude. The simulated unmanned aircraft were then able to operate without further aircrew interaction.
Moving forward, Textron Systems and Textron Aviation Defense plan to advance integration efforts, testing and demonstration of this transformational capability with fully-operational unmanned aircraft to interested customers worldwide. Synturian control and collaboration technologies empower situational awareness and informed action. The Synturian family of products includes two main product lines — Synturian Control and Synturian Remote. Synturian Control is a multi-platform, multi-vehicle, multi-domain control system that enhances collaboration and dissemination of information. Synturian Remote features mobile, network-strengthened tools that enhance situational awareness through timely information and collaboration. Both Synturian Control and Synturian Remote package these capabilities into small, lightweight hardware form factors that are scalable based on customer needs.
Designed and built with leading-edge technologies, the Textron Aviation Defense Scorpion jet is a bold new direction for tactical aircraft. The Scorpion jet equips the warfighter with a technological advantage while delivering exceptional mission readiness at unparalleled low acquisition, operating and training costs. With its 85-cubic ft. center payload bay, easily field-configurable mission packages, six hard points, fast dash speeds and extended endurance and loiter time, the Scorpion’s versatility is unmatched. Built to excel as an affordable multi-role platform, the Scorpion jet delivers ISR, armed reconnaissance, CAS, maritime and border patrol and jet training capabilities.
