Apache helicopters, the U.S Army's famous whirlybird, are now getting assists from drones. Working in conjunction with the Apache pilot, a unmanned companion can be tasked with improving target acquisition, information gathering, and strike capabilities.

According to Scout Warrior, the Manned-Unmanned Teaming, or MUT-T, allows the pilot to control the sensor payload and flight path of Army Shadow and Gray Eagle drones. Given the Gray Eagle's history of "poor reliability across all major subsystems," it makes sense to pair it with a human counterpart; trained pilot close by could allow for quicker mid-mission corrections.

The Gray Eagle drone

When all systems are go, the MUT-T offers numerous advantages to the Apaches pilot. The Army Shadow and Gray Eagle could act as a scouting force, beaming back video into the Apache cockpit in real time. "Now before the unit even deploys out of the Forward Arming Refueling Point, or FARP, they can actually bring up the UAS (drone) feed, look through the sensors and see the target they are going to attack up to 50 or 60 miles away," says Apache Program Manager Col. Jeff Hage.

MUT-T has already been in action, operating with what Army officials call "great success" in Afghanistan.

Source:Scout Warrior via ExtremeTech

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