TRW IAI successfully demonstrates new Hunter relay payload.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 1996--The Hunter unmanned air vehicle performed the first successful test and demonstration of a very high frequency (VHF) radio relay by a tactical UAV, TRW/IAI announced Wednesday.

The demonstration and test of the radio relay between two remote ground stations was performed by TRW/IAI in conjunction with U.S. Army's Joint Tactical-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (JT-UAV) project management office (PMO) and the Joint Technology Center - Systems Integration Laboratory (JTC-SIL).

The ground stations were separated by about 120 kilometers. Due to line-of-sight restrictions, they were not able to communicate with each other without the Hunter communications data relay payload (CDRP). The Hunter air vehicle was placed in an airborne track approximately 40 kilometers from one ground station and 80 kilometers from the other ground station. Duplex push-to-talk communications were successfully conducted by the two ground stations using Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) equipment and the Hunter air vehicle as the relay.

"This test fully demonstrated how the Hunter air vehicle can act as a communications relay and provide both data and voice communications links which under normal conditions could not exist," said Bruce Fowler, test director, JT-UAV PMO. "In addition, we easily demonstrated we could exceed the SINCGARS requirement," continued Fowler.

After the testing, Col. Michael Howell, JT-UAV project manager, noted, "This is a real plus for the battlefield commanders during deployment. Any battlefield element that has SINCGARS capability can remain connected to current and accurate information, both data and voice, anywhere on the battlefield. This clearly demonstrates how the Hunter UAV can further be used on the digital battlefield to aid in making timely and important decisions."

Modifications to the Hunter air vehicle included adding 2 VHF antennas, 2 UHF antennas, 2 SINCGARS transceivers and 1 UHF transceiver. The transceivers, provided to the PMO by System Dynamics Inc., are mounted into the payload bay replacing the normal video camera. "The modifications to the air vehicle are very easy to make and can be installed as a field option, thus adding to the capability of the air vehicle," said TRW test director, Dick Rodems. During the tests, the capability for UHF communications relay also was ground tested and demonstrated. This is the first of many tests planned by TRW and IAI using the Hunter air vehicle in support of the Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration sponsored by the Joint Program Office.

TRW supports the engineering and operational requirements of the Hunter program at Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Huachuca, Ariz. These activities include training, flight line support, maintenance support, depot repair and operational flight support. TRW Inc. provides high technology products and services to the automotive and space and defense markets. The company's 1995 sales totaled more than $10 billion.

IAI is a recognized leader in unmanned air and ground vehicles, radar, secure communications, electronic warfare, optronic platforms, and smart weapons. IAI's UAV record is unmatched -- more than 45,000 hours of flight operations and four generations of systems worldwide.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Pictures of the Hunter air vehicle showing the antenna configuration are available via e-mail in either GIF or JPEG format or 5X7 prints. Line drawings of test configuration and potential applications also are available in Mac Draw Pro or Power Point formats. Contact Bob Such, 619/592-3478.

CONTACT: TRW

Robert Such, 619/592-3478

or

IAI

Marvin Klemow, 703/875-3723