The PLA is mastering a system for controlling UAV swarms.
A group of UAVs is preparing for independent takeoff.
The People's Liberation Army of China has long recognized the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles. aviation and strives to develop this area. Aircraft of various classes and purposes are being developed and fielded, and the necessary support systems are also being developed. For example, it was recently announced that the military has acquired a new control system that allows a single operator to control a large number of UAVs in the air simultaneously.
Drones in the frame
On January 20, Chinese television channel CCTV7 aired a new program dedicated to the latest advances in unmanned and unmanned technology. Over the course of 21 minutes, a wide range of modern UAVs and ground robotic systems were showcased. The footage also featured cutting-edge control systems with special capabilities, countermeasures, and more.
The program touched on the topic of mass use drones to solve various problems. In this context, several modern equipment and support systems were on display. For example, a formation takeoff and maneuvering of a UAV from one of the production models was captured on camera. Two already well-known self-propelled launchers capable of transporting and lifting dozens of small UAVs were also on display.
The UAVs demonstrated joint maneuvering and simulated mission execution. Furthermore, for the first time, the public saw the control system for such a "swarm." The footage included the operator station interface, which included a map and service information. For obvious reasons, part of the image was retouched.
Self-propelled launcher for light UAVs
CCTV7 showed an operator assigning tasks to the unmanned system. They also showed the process of tracking the "swarm." A simulated map of the area displayed numerous drone markers, their routes, and other information.
The commentary accompanying this footage revealed some interesting facts. It was reported that the swarm control system is built using modern hardware and software. Specifically, it utilizes elements of artificial intelligence to process the data.
The availability of such software significantly reduces the operator's workload and/or allows them to perform more complex tasks. For example, a single person at the control station can monitor up to 200 drones. They only need to issue basic commands and assign tasks, while all other tasks are handled automatically.
Equipment and systems
For obvious reasons, CCTV7's report doesn't reveal all the technical details. Specifically, it doesn't specify the types of UAVs and ground vehicles used in the training exercises. It also doesn't show the control station, limiting itself to the operator console interface. Nevertheless, it does show a wealth of intriguing footage that allows us to draw some initial conclusions.
Operators at work
A self-propelled launcher, the Swarm, was demonstrated as one of the UAV launch vehicles. According to available information, this product was developed by the China Academy of Electronics and Information Technology (CAEIT). The first demonstration of the finished product took place in 2020 at a Chinese exhibition. It was expected that this technology would soon be deployed to the military.
The Swarm system is built on a three-axle vehicle chassis and features an enclosed launch bay. The UAVs are launched from tubular launch rails assembled into a movable package. The launcher's "munitions complement" consists of 48 UAVs.
In 2020, it was reported that the Swarm system would be capable of launching light UAVs such as the CH-901. These drones were planned for reconnaissance or strike missions. The possibility of launching small copters was also mentioned, but this idea likely never materialized.
The second vehicle featured in the CCTV7 report was developed by the China Ordnance Equipment Group (COEG) and first unveiled in 2022. It was a direct analogue of CAEIT's Swarm, but differed in the layout of its key components, basic specifications, and so on.
Objectives and indicators
COEG also built its vehicle on a three-axle chassis and equipped it with an elevating launcher. However, it uses a different design, designed for mounting transport and launch containers with UAVs. The capability to use various types of UAVs has been reported. Launch is forward through the cabin.
According to available data, the two self-propelled launchers are capable of using several types of UAVs. In all cases, these are fixed-wing aircraft with limited dimensions and a foldable design. These UAVs can carry a video camera and/or a thermal imager for reconnaissance. The installation of a warhead for strikes is also possible.
However, "swarms" can be formed not only by light UAVs. Larger UAVs can also operate in such groups. However, in this case, takeoff and landing are carried out from existing, sufficiently large platforms. The principles of interaction and the tasks to be accomplished remain roughly the same.
Management tools
A recent program from CCTV7 provides a general understanding of the new drone swarm control system. It includes several different components, distributed between the control station and the drones being controlled.
Group maneuvering and task execution
The control station, housing the operator(s), is based on a computer with the required performance characteristics. It also has radio communications equipment that allows for the simultaneous exchange of coded information with a large number of UAVs.
The control station's software receives information from the UAV and accepts operator commands. AI algorithms then process these commands to generate missions for specific UAVs. Depending on the type and configuration of the aircraft, reconnaissance, strike, and other missions are assigned to them.
The UAVs used in such a system must have onboard computers with specialized software and other necessary capabilities. The UAV software also incorporates elements of artificial intelligence. With this intelligence, the aircraft independently determines how to accomplish its assigned task. It can take various factors into account and refine its route, interact with other UAVs, and so on.
The disclosed data makes it unclear what range of drones the new control system can support. It could potentially control virtually any UAV built to PLA standards. However, the full range of functions and capabilities will likely only be available with the appropriate software.
"Roy" in solo flight
New opportunities
It's worth remembering that the PLA and the Chinese defense industry prefer not to reveal their new designs ahead of time. New developments are typically revealed to the public only after they have at least entered testing. Other products are kept secret until they are adopted into service or longer.
A recent CCTV7 program showcased a wide range of unmanned and unmanned systems, as well as supporting developments. Some of these products are already familiar to experts and the public, while others are being demonstrated for the first time, including a new swarm control system.
It's safe to assume that such a system has already been adopted by the PLA or, at the very least, is undergoing pilot testing. Either way, it's advanced enough to be shown to the public on television.
This control system provides the PLA with a number of new capabilities in the operation and deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles. Group deployment of UAVs, including large "swarms," is significantly simplified. The use of AI reduces operator workload, improves calculation speed, and enhances resilience to enemy countermeasures.
Apparently, individual PLA units are currently mastering new equipment and command and control systems. Their successful experience will then be expanded to other units. This will provide the army with various new capabilities in the medium term. It is expected that the PLA will not stop there, and similar next-generation systems with more extensive capabilities will be added to its arsenal in the future.
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