As part of the innovation project 171 uDOS (Unified Drone Operating System) by the Cyber Innovation Hub of the German Armed Forces, Auterion and blackned demonstrated a solution for a unified drone operating system. This system simplifies the control and operation of various drone types within the armed forces and exemplifies the seamless integration of drones into the D-LBO architecture using Tactical Core as the communication platform. The testing took place at the former airfield in Erding, within a practical scenario involving a UAV-based reconnaissance and strike chain, showcasing the benefits of a standardized platform for drone deployment.
Challenges and Approach
The German Armed Forces operate a wide variety of drone types from different manufacturers, each requiring unique control systems and transmission methods. This diversity poses a significant challenge for soldiers, who must undergo specialized training for each drone system. Such heterogeneity complicates or even prevents the integration of drones with other elements on the modern battlefield.
The introduction of operational software to standardize drone control, communication, and information layers, as well as security features, significantly reduces these obstacles without restricting the choice of drone manufacturers or models.
The central approach of the project focuses on standardizing control and monitoring processes. These standards enable drones from different manufacturers to be operated on a unified platform. Auterion developed a combined hardware and software solution based on established standards from the open-source community. The integration of AuterionOS and blackned Tactical Core ensures seamless incorporation of diverse drone models into operational scenarios and into a comprehensive and secure communication and information network (e.g., D-LBO).
More Efficient Drone Operations
A practical scenario was demonstrated during the tests in Erding: Friendly forces conducted reconnaissance on an enemy tank position. After confirming the tank as a hostile target, an attack was carried out using a First-Person View (FPV) drone. Subsequently, a battle damage assessment (BDA) was conducted to evaluate the destruction. This information supports further mission planning.
The new drone operating system offers the advantage of enabling soldiers to access critical information more quickly, ensuring information superiority—an essential factor for the successful execution of military operations. Simultaneously, the system minimizes risks for soldiers by providing a clearer overview of the operational situation.
Conclusion
The uDOS innovation project demonstrates how the German Armed Forces can enhance drone operations through standardized technologies. A unified operating system like AuterionOS not only reduces training requirements but also allows for the exchange of mission-specific applications (e.g., ISR, CDI, tracking, targeting) between drones from different manufacturers. Overall, it increases the effectiveness and safety of soldiers by enabling faster and more accurate information processing and mission execution. The seamless integration into the D-LBO architecture, as demonstrated, further allows unmanned systems to be incorporated as additional battlefield elements using D-LBO’s communication and IT security protocols.
Media Contacts
Michael Hoare, Kekst CNC
+44 7974 046959
michael.hoare@kekstcnc.com
Torben Gosau, Kekst CNC
+49 160 96943517
torben.gosau@kekstcnc.com
Samuel Rhydderch, Kekst CNC
+44 7581 068477
|samuel.rhydderch@kekstcnc.com
About Auterion: Auterion develops the world’s leading operating system for autonomous robotic systems (UxV). Based on this technology, companies and authorities worldwide can operate their UxS fleets more efficiently for monitoring, data collection, maintenance and logistics. The platform offers open interfaces between the main components of a UxV system. This gives fleet operators more flexibility in integrating mission-specific platform types, payloads and mission applications. With more than 120 employees in offices in the US, Germany, Switzerland and Ukraine, Auterion’s global customer base includes drone manufacturers such as Deltaquad, GE Aviation or Freefly Systems, as well as operators of large drone fleets such as the US and UK governments and Walmart/DroneUp. Find out more at www.auterion.com.
About blackned: Since its foundation in 2009, blackned GmbH has specialized in the development of software-based defence solutions. The tactical middleware RIDUX and the management system XONITOR form the core of an advanced architecture for the digitalization of land forces. The digital ecosystem TACTICAL CORE offers a future-proof and open framework for the implementation of digitalization projects within the NATO armed forces. blackned has been developing tailor-made and mission-critical communication solutions for highly mobile, operational networks for 15 years. With now six locations and over 200 employees worldwide, blackned is a leader in the industry. The company’s expertise and commitment enable the development of innovative solutions that meet the requirements of modern armed forces and drive digital transformation.
