KZO Can Do More - Rheinmetall Defence Electronics Working on New Extensions of Capability
16 May 2006 12:00
Following handover of the high-tech KZO reconnaissance UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) pilot system to the Federal Armed Forces in November 2005, Rheinmetall Defence Electronics (RDE), a subsidiary of the Rheinmetall Group, is currently developing various extensions of capability for the system to enhance its efficiency.
The extensions of capability above all involve the fields of logistics/fitness for operation, missions, payloads and also the analysis functions.
Logistics / Operational Readiness
In its current configuration the KZO system can already be used all over the world. It is designed for all relevant climates and altitudes. In addition, the UAV system can take off and land in next to no space without the need for special infrastructure facilities. KZO has also been optimised in terms of performance data and in its class currently offers the best weight/payload ratio.
To boost efficiency in the field of logistics/operational readiness RDE is working on a new heavy-fuel engine (kerosene, diesel etc.). Furthermore, the company is catering for calls from many customers for a catapult start facility.
Missions
In the field of "Missions" RDE is focusing on further enhancing the software for even better adaptation of surveillance missions. For example, it would be practical if fuel were saved automatically when in action to enable long surveillance missions in one place. Another improvement to the system involves simplifying navigation through automated image-map comparison and the use of extended planning and surveillance tools based on existing terrain models.
Payloads
With a payload of some 30kg and sufficient electrical power, the UAV system offers spare capacity for further payloads. For example, there is the possibility of integrating a relay function - e.g. for the echelon and attitude-compatible distribution of graphical information, as a TETRA radio relay or for the direct transmission of the UAVs' own sensor data to other users. In future KZO will also use this relay function in networked operations with attack UAVs. On the basis of the KZO system and attack UAVs RDE is thus offering a long-loiter stand-off weapon designed for the precise combating of targets. Here it is possible to control and monitor the combat process for the entire period - also beyond masking areas using the relay function.
In addition, RDE is working on a concept for modular usage of the KZO platform in order to offer additional applications using different mission-specific sensors as substitute payloads.This includes an imaging SAR sensor, further development of the existing homing sensor in the TAIFUN/TARES attack UAV to produce an imaging sensor as well as integration of a multispectral colour out-of-the-window view and the SIGINT sensory system for radio signal reconnaissance already developed by RDE for the UAV Fledermaus system.
Assessment
In addition to various processes for the display, processing and interpretation of images, work is focusing on so-called "mosaicking" with the aim of obtaining an improvement in resolution combined with large image dimensions and the automatic detection of moving objects.
With the targeted KZO extensions of capability, automated image processing and improved planning processes will more quickly deliver better reconnaissance results which are relevant to the new problems facing the armed forces and lighten the workload of the "observers" employed at the ground control station.
With its capabilities of "reconnaissance and evaluation" the KZO system already caters for the requirements arising from the modern-day scenarios confronting the armed forces. The adaptation in capability devised by RDE that are currently underway can be accomplished without major intervention in the original system. The option of alternative sensor equipment, a consequential opening-up of the system and incorporation in the shared networks will all make a significant contribution to further enhancing the efficiency of the KZO.
For more information on this company:
RHEINMETALL DEFENCE ELECTRONICS - UAV Systems for Reconnaissance, Combat Support and Attack
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