One of the primary objectives of ARCAA is to take research concepts from paper to field-tested reality. This requires the deployment of people and assets to remote and often inhospitable locations.
The ARCAA Mobile Operations Centre (MOC) describes a custom-designed field test support vehicle. The MOC is the hub of most flight testing activities, providing ground personnel with the communications and computing systems necessary to safely and efficiently coordinate flight test activities within a comfortable and controlled environment.
The MOC is based on a 4WD light truck chassis with a custom-designed body. The body includes an expanding section which not only provides personnel with additional space but also 180° visibility of the flight test area.
Power generation is provided by a petrol generator supported by solar panels installed on the roof. A power management system comprising batteries, conditioning, chargers, inverters and protection has been installed to ensure an uninterrupted supply to all mission critical computing and communications equipment.
The MOC communications system includes:
- Cellular High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) modem;
- UHF (900MHz) line of sight modem;
- UHF and VHF voice radios; and
- a 10m telescopic mast installed to support communications from remote test sites.
A video recording system has also been installed to allow personnel to review operational and crew management procedures following a deployment.
