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Remote-Piloted Vehicles - Sensor Operator

Introduction

Leading SME: Hate

Sensor Operators are the personnel assigned to employ RPVs (Remote Piloted Vehicles) for the purpose of performing surveillance and reconnaissance, or for their offensive capabilities. They are typically tasked with the use of AR-2 or AL-6 quadrotors, MQ-9 or RQ-4 fixed-wing drones, and various offensive UGV platforms.

A Sensor Operator's primary tool is the UAV Terminal, discussed further below; the ability for a sensor operator to remotely pilot a reconnaissance or close-air asset from the field can be a very effective force multiplier, allowing them to maintain a first-hand view of the battlefield while maintaining control of a vehicle. As opposed to a conventional pilot, Sensor Operators can be deployed as infantry, allowing them to respond immediately to direct contact with surveillance or ordnance from their RPV while also serving as a rifleman.

The UAV Terminal

To function as a Sensor Operator, one must be in possession of a UAV Terminal.* This terminal will allow the operator to denote the movements and functions of the RPA via waypoints, as well as to take direct control of its navigation and targeting systems. It will also list metadata and critical information about the RPV.

On the left-hand side, the Sensor Operator can "Select AV," allowing them to take control of any currently un-linked RPV. Once a RPV is linked, this menu will show various information such as the STAT (Status,) FUEL, TGT (Target,) and the available weapons and the location of the vehicle. This includes the POS - Position, AZT - Azimuth or bearing, SPD - Speed, and ALT - Altitude of the vehicle selected.

The option to set the RPV as "Autonomous" will allow it to follow waypoints and taskings allocated by the Sensor Operator, while the Allow Lights option will enable or disable the RPV's collision lights. Note that the Autonomous option may interfere with effective manual control.

In order to task a RPV with a specific order, the Autonomous box must be enabled, and the Sensor Operator must CTRL+Right Click on the desired location on the terminal map. This will place a waypoint with MOVE as the default task; this task can be changed by then right-clicking the waypoint and configuring it. More than one waypoint can also be set and CYCLED.

Waypoints offer a number of options, including MOVE and LOITER functions, as well as various offensive plans such as GUARD or SENTRY. RPVs can also be tasked to directly follow a specific unit by right-clicking on their BLUFOR placard. You may also configure the weapons status of the RPV in order to dictate its rules of engagement. Typically, setting your RPV to "Never Fire" is the ideal option to avoid friendly-fire incidents.

Using these menus, you can effectively task your RPV to defend a location, patrol an area, or assault and engage a hostile target. It can also be tasked to SUPPORT friendly units nearby, or can repeat a combination of MOVE or GUARD orders through use of the CYCLE command. Note that these options may vary; unarmed RPAs will not have offensive commands, and airborne RPVs will have additional commands such as LOITER which will allow setting a specific radius and altitude.

_{*Rugged Tablets may also be used to manually control RPVs, but will not allow setting waypoints or viewing metadata or menus.}

Types of RPV

From left to right: AL-6 Pelican, AR-2 Darter, UGV Stomper, ED-1D, MQ-4A Greyhawk, UCAV Sentinel.

Many types of RPV exist and are able to be controlled by a Sensor Operator through use of a UAV Terminal. These include, but are not limited to the AR-2 and AL-6 quadrotors, ED-1D and ED-1E mine disposal bots, MQ-9 and RQ-4 aerial vehicles, and "Stomper" UGVs.

AR-2 / AL-6

The AR-2 Darter and AL-6 Pelican quadrotors are unarmed, small and highly mobile aerial RPVs primarily used for surveillance. The AR-2, being the military variant, is equipped with a thermal-capable targeting camera and various sensors, while the AL-6 is a civilian model primarily used to transport supplies.

AR-2 IRST Sensor HUD.

The AR-2 is extremely nimble, but also very vulnerable, capable of being destroyed by a single small-arms round to the hull or rotors. It is equipped with a bottom-mounted thermal camera and laser targeting pod, as well as a RCS jammer system that prevents it from being targeted by passive or active radars. Its IRST detection system allows it to detect infantry, thermal and infrared contacts on a pop-up sensor at a distance of 500m for human contacts and 1500m for infrared contacts.

UGV Stomper

The UGV Stomper and Stomper RCWS are four-wheeled ground RPVs capable of transporting a single passenger as well as a small amount of supplies. They function as 4x4 all-terrain vehicles that are resistant to small-arms fire, with the RCWS variant coming equipped with an offensive 12.7mm coaxial heavy machine gun as well as a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.

The Stomper RCWS is fairly capable of dealing with infantry threats and light vehicles when employed alongside conventional infantry. However, medium and large-caliber arms fire or explosives can easily disable the Stomper's engine or wheels if it is not utilized carefully. It is primarily used as an infantry escort, to patrol key tactical and strategic areas, or for reconnaissance and forward scouting ahead of an infantry element.

MQ-9 and MQ-4A

The MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-4A Greyhawk are fixed-wing RPVs capable of providing high-altitude reconnaissance and close air support. They can be set in loiter or follow patterns thousands of meters above the ground, providing imagery and surveillance ahead of infantry teams, as well as precision-guided ordnance.

Both the MQ-9 and MQ-4A are equipped with pylons that allow them to carry multiple air-to-ground missiles or bombs, as well as a high-magnification targeting camera. This allows them to function as a force-multiplier for dismounted infantry, functioning well outside the range of SAMs or air defenses while providing on-call fire support and accurate positioning of enemies and potential threats.

Certification Requirements

Candidates will pilot both a ground and air RPV through a number of checkpoints using the terminal.
Candidates will then pilot a ground and air RPV through waypoints using manual control.
Candidates will use an AR-2 to provide a reconnaissance report on simulated enemy contacts.
Candidates will then use both a Stomper UGV and MQ-9 Reaper to perform offensive taskings.
Candidates will be run through a mock live-fire exercise, employing RPVs to complete a mission.

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