New UAV Ground Control System Utilizes GL Studio SC

The DiSTI Corporation’s GL Studio SC (Safety Critical) software development tool is a key component of the Guardian UAV Ground Control System (GCS), currently operational in the MQ-9 Ground Control System. Engineers at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) utilized GL Studio SC to design the Guardian system, ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety requirements for unmanned systems operating in shared airspaces.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) play an increasingly significant role in military operations, offering enhanced situational awareness and reduced risk to personnel. As UAVs are employed in various missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and disaster relief, software tools like GL Studio SC aim to ensure the safe and efficient control of these systems.

The Guardian system, operational since August 2024 at the Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Training Squadron (VMUT) 2 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, is the Navy’s first detect-and-avoidance system designed to enhance UAV safety. The system monitors both manned and unmanned aircraft within a 200-nautical-mile radius and provides real-time visual cues to aid in collision avoidance.

The role of GL Studio SC in the Guardian project highlights the company’s history of providing software solutions for mission-critical systems. As UAV operations become more complex, robust safety-critical software is essential for ensuring effective operation within regulated airspace environments. The Guardian system is currently being considered for deployment in additional operational squadrons, including Edwards Air Force Base and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division.