CHALLENGE:
The primary goals of the AACUS Innovative Naval Prototype (INP) program were:
- The development of advanced autonomous capabilities to enable rapid cargo delivery by unmanned, and potentially optionally-manned, Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) systems – i.e., helicopters.
- To enable any Marine to supervise this capability from an intuitive, hand-held, field interface.
- To enable specialists to plan and execute multiple, simultaneous missions for these full-size, autonomous helicopters.
SOLUTION:
Through extensive cognitive systems engineering efforts, we supported the development of first-of-their-kind software system interfaces for Marines engaging AACUS in the field and supervising from rear bases.
OUTCOME:
The AACUS system was recognized with numerous awards for innovation, including the Howard Hughes Award given by the American Helicopter Society (win) and the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy (finalist).