The US Army is working with the industry to implement combat drones overseas controlled by a US-based operator.
The aim is to reduce vulnerability to enemy attack in high-risk missions and to allow time to draw up advanced satellite networks to improve video feeds.
According to a report by Warrior, a Remote Split Operations system (RSO) is set to be used, the same system already operational with the Air Force from a high-op-tempo command and control station at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada.
The same report details how much of the work will be carried out by MAG Aerospace, a company which has been providing Predator feeds to the US Air Force for years.
Speaking to Warrior, John Belcher director of technical service at MAG, said: “We support the long haul connectivity where the pilot and the sensor operator are separated. They connect through terrestrial and satellite communications to remote locations forward in theatre.”
He added: “Eight years ago we first briefed the Army chief of staff on RSO to enhance mission capability. Fast forward to now, we are bringing RSO to the Army.”
