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The DiSTI Corporation, a developer of advanced human-machine interface (HMI) software solutions, has revealed that its innovative GL Studio SC (Safety Critical) software development tool is integral to the new Guardian UAV Ground Control System (GCS), now running in the MQ-9 Ground Control System.
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) engineers leveraged GL Studio SC’s capabilities in designing the Guardian system, in order to meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) stringent safety requirements for unmanned systems to operate safely in shared airspaces alongside manned aircraft.
GL Studio SC plays a key role in the Guardian project. As UAVs become integral to U.S. military operations, GL Studio SC’s capability to develop safety-critical human-machine interfaces (HMIs) with precision and speed makes it an ideal choice for such programs.
GL Studio SC’s real-time performance and rapid prototyping features enable engineers to create complex interfaces like Guardian, allowing UAV operators to achieve situational awareness comparable to that of pilots in manned aircraft.
The Guardian system, operational as of August 2024 at the Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Training Squadron (VMUT) 2, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina, is reportedly the Navy’s first detect-and-avoidance system designed to safeguard UAV operations. The system enhances UAV safety by tracking manned and unmanned aircraft over a 200-nautical-mile radius and providing real-time visual cues for collision avoidance.
As UAV systems grow more autonomous and complex, robust safety-critical software is essential for effective operation in regulated airspace. Guardian significantly enhances the safety, efficiency, and versatility of unmanned operations.
The Guardian system is reportedly under consideration for deployment in other operational squadrons, including at Edwards Air Force Base and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division. This potential expansion demonstrates the system’s adaptability and role in enhancing manned/unmanned teaming in future operational environments.
Christopher Giordano, VP of UI/UX Technology at DiSTI, commented, “The ability of GL Studio SC to meet the rigorous safety and performance demands of military-grade systems makes it an ideal tool for programs such as this, where precision and reliability are paramount. As unmanned aerial vehicles’ use continues to expand within the U.S. military, we are proud to contribute software solutions that ensure these systems can operate safely and effectively in complex, real-world environments.”
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