In support of the United States Air Force’s (USAF) Irregular Warfare training, Avwatch is a key partner providing asset and training support to event facilitators and students. Avwatch provides Aerial Full Motion Video (AFMV) feeds, as well as, on-site user training for the set-up, operation, and interaction with Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receivers (ROVER’s). Avwatch has trained hundreds of USAF forces prior to overseas deployment and continues to support this important training.
Under a joint MIT-Lincoln Labs and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection initiative, Avwatch provided consulting, design, installation and training support in the sensor and downlink installation onboard a Cal Fire Air Attack OV-10. Avwatch’s support enabled responders to achieve enhanced situational awareness of fire burn patterns through the use of infra-red imagery and provided recorded video documentation of incidents for training and/or prosecution. Additionally, Avwatch designed and installed mobile and transferable ground units in supervisor vehicles utilizing Mobile Ad hoc Networking (MANET) technology. This enabled video distribution from the aircraft to surface responders. It also allowed command units within the impact area to remotely control the sensor package onboard the aerial command and control aircraft. These activities supported the coordination of mission-critical airdrops and helped deconflict airspace over incidents.
In support of the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MWTC), Avwatch operates a surrogate UAS with multiple FMV data links and ground support staff to facilitate training objectives and provide troop experience with video downlink feeds. The surrogate UAS conducts simulated Close Air Support (CAS) and emergent Close Air Support (eCAS) and Talk-Ons for JTACs in addition to Intelligence Recon missions as directed by the J-2 staff elements. Through the use of a propriety communication link, the surrogate UAS maintained a secure and direct line with training and scenario coordinators in the EXCON to provide calculated and precise injects to ground forces in real-time. Avwatch personnel routinely worked with the base Air Operations staff to set-up and troubleshoot newly acquired ISR equipment, assisted in field-testing with surrogate UASs and integration with students and training of staff.
Following the April 20, 2010 explosion on BP’s Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, Avwatch was sought out by disaster response leadership to assist with recovery operations. Covering over 10,000 square miles through its deployment of aerial assets and a rapidly-installed extensive data downlink network, Avwatch provided high-quality streaming video to the US Coast Guard (USCG), BP, and state and local authorities dedicated to oil spill cleanup. Avwatch’s aerial sensors detected oil sheens and oil boom locations throughout the entire impacted area. These missions provided real-time data to government and commercial clients, which were able to remotely control the cameras/sensors, immediately review real-time video, and speak directly to the aircraft operator over a Voice Over IP (VoIP) link.
EXPERIENCE
U.S. MARINE CORPS
U.S. AIR FORCE PATRIOT 7 (P7) TRAINING and SUPPORT
FORESTRY and FIRE PROTECTION
DEEPWATER HORIZON RESPONSE
