Development of a Robust, Segmented Approach to UAV Handover in the Overarching Interoperability Profile for Class C CUCS

This paper analyzes the Class C Handover Sequence found in the Overarching Interoperability Profile (OVA IOP) and the development efforts by the community to move the sequence from a waterfall approach to a segmented approach. The change was proposed simultaneously by the Boeing Apache Avionics Integration Team and the General Atomics Warrior UAV Integration Team. Review and comparison of the original OVA IOP 1.5.5 approach and the enhanced approach developed for OVA IOP 1.5.7 is followed by a high level summary of the benefits of the changes made. Also discussed is an account of the teamwork and communication necessary to develop and agree to a significant change to the defined standard in an environment with multiple industry and government stakeholders. Leveraging product knowledge between industry partners and the US Army resulted in a solution that maximizes the benefits of Class C Manned Unmanned (MUM) Teaming under the constraints of the IOP.