UAV Cockpit Uses Game Peripherals for UAV Control

Raytheon has unveiled a new virtual cockpit system to allow operators of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) a better view of their drone's environs.

Openly declaring that the Universal Control System (UCS) derives from standard video-game controllers, the defense contractor said they would combine these consumer electronics with their own decades of experience in command and control systems.

"We broke down the operator's tasks and objectives and constructed a system built entirely around them, rather than building the system around the air vehicle first,", said Raytheon's Mark Bigham. "... Improvements included adding a wrap-around display to enhance operator effectiveness. We wanted to put the operator in the UAS 'cockpit' virtually and dramatically enhance his or her situational awareness. UCS operators will have better situational awareness than any manned platform, which dramatically improves safety."

This is, Raytheon says, just how Ender the UAV operator likes it.

Raytheon Announces Revolutionary New 'Cockpit' for Unmanned Aircraft [Via GizMag]