Exclusive UAS/UAV & Avionics Focus Day

8:30 - 10:00 Communications Systems Between UAV And Ground

Providing warfighters with unique UAV capabilities and technology is an ongoing mission. This workshop will delve into current and developing communication and control technology as it relates to UAV's, ground stations and other air vehicles. Explore technologies related to tactical communications and networks, disadvantaged users, SATCOM, persistent surveillance, wide area surveillance, and others. Gain insight into:

• UAV technology and performance issues
• Tactical UAV communications and ground systems
• Current and future network architectures and technologies

Session Leader:

Brady Davies
Chief Engineer
L-3 Communications

8:30 - 10:00 Avionics Upgrades

The current state of aging military aircraft, increased costs for new assets, along with budget cutbacks are primary reasons for avionics upgrades. To keep military assets in the air and performing effectively, upgrade programs have become extremely necessary. Avionics upgrades require analysis, design, integration and a timely installation process. Whether designing avionics for navigation, surveillance or communication, it can be challenging and expensive, yet key to extending the life of the craft. Attend this session to:

• Discover avionics modernization programs
• See examples of design strategy for programs and upgrades
• Examine advances in adding new capabilities to aging aircrafts

10:00 - 11:30 Moving UAS Capability Forward

Increasing UAS capability is a top priority for the Army aviation community. UAS research is leading to broad developments for the use and activities of UAS technology. The urban terrain of Iraq and the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan require different capabilities to meet mission goals. Integrating UAS into current operations involves an analysis of system and mission requirements. UAS development will continue to evolve in response to the results and feedback from commanders and warfighters. Attend this session to:

• Explore recent advancements & emerging capabilities
• Find out what's being done to resolve technological challenges
• Hear how Army Aviation is moving its UAS program forward

Session Leader:

COL Robert J. Sova
TRADOC Capability Manager for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
United States Army

10:00 - 11:30 Managing Electronic Part Obsolescence And Counterfeit Risk

Today's aerospace and defense systems depend on Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) electronics hardware and software. Unfortunately, COTS components generally have procurement and support lifetimes that are far shorter than the field lives of the aerospace and defense systems they are used in. The lifecycle mismatch between parts and systems leads to a host of challenges including obsolescence management and counterfeit parts. This workshop will discuss the management of obsolescence in systems. Attend this session to:

• Gain an understanding of the outcome of reactively mitigating electronic part lifecycle problems
• Learn strategic solutions for obsolescence part management
• Discover how to detect and manage counterfeit parts

Session Leader:

Dr. Peter Sandborn
Professor, CALCE Electronic Products and Systems Center
University of Maryland

1:00 - 2:30 ISR In Urban Environments Using UAVs

Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance using unmanned systems in an urban environment occupies the highest level in the DoD priority list. This session focuses on a systematic and integrated methodology towards the development of a indispensable and reliable decision support tool. Receive the latest developments in ISR & UAV technology.

• Learn how these technologies provide maximum target coverage & tracking
• Discover how to effectively use these methodologies/technologies in urban environments
• Review case studies to demonstrate the efficacy of the technologies

Session Leader:

Dr. George Vachtsevanos
Professor Emeritus, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology

1:00 - 2:30 Next Generation High Reliability Printed Circuit Board Interconnect

Technology deployed in avionics and rugged electronic systems has significantly evolved in recent years. Driven by escalating platform functionality and "COTS" initiatives, while needing to exist in a consistently demanding environment, rugged interconnect solutions have evolved to enable this unique ecosystem. This workshop will explore these topics and provide insight as to the direction of both the technology and industry.

• Review of heritage standards and related hardware, both successful and problematic
• Emerging standards and market implications
• Future technologies

Session Leader:

Gregory Powers
Market Development Manager, Electronic Systems, Aerospace, Defense & Marine
Tyco Electronics

2:30 - 4:00 UAVs & Joint Warfare: Achieving Optimal Operation And Employment

The future of UAV technology is limitless. As each branch of the military has its own uses for UAV technology, ultimately, the development and use of more joint systems in warfare would be optimal. How the joint military community approaches the development and employment of UAVs requires the consideration and input of all the services. Type of mission, payload and a variety of other specializations provides the basis for next generation UAV technology for the joint warfare community. Find out how the convergence of the branches on UAV research, development and acquisition is promoting synergy and greater effectiveness. Attend this session to:

• Find out the latest developments in UAV interoperability
• How the branches are fostering communication and exchange of information
• Best practices to address the reduction of command and control issues

Session Leader:

Colonel Christopher Coombs
Commander
703rd Aeronautical Systems Group

2:30 - 4:00 A Look To The Future-NACRA's Technology Test Bed Helicopter

With funding and availability constraints limiting innovation and development, the NACRA is standing up a flying test bed helicopter to help both Industry and government advance the state of rotorcraft technology. The test bed aircraft ("T-Rex") will be available to help transition promising enabling technologies via a fleet-representative platform. Explore this test effort and learn how avionics developers can best use this new and unique capability. Attend this session and gain insight into:

• NACRA's look at an uncertain future & recommendations for the Rotorcraft Community
• Reintroducing flying test beds to the Naval Air Warfare Center
• Details for flying projects

Session Leader:

Doug Isleib
Director
Naval Aviation Center for Rotorcraft Advancement (NACRA)