Group

Operating the UAV terminal

The RPV terminal provides command, control, and situational awareness for unmanned platforms. The interface displays map-based platform locations and allows selection via map icons or callsigns. Platform feeds and controls may vary based on vehicle capabilities.

Telemetry data provides operational indicators but should not be treated as absolute system health data.

Common telemetry fields include:

• STAT - General platform condition.
• FUEL - Remaining fuel.
• WPN - Weapons and ammunition status.
• POS - Grid location.
• AZT - Bearing.
• SPD - Speed.
• ALT - Altitude.

Operators should use telemetry to support, not replace, tactical judgment.

• Access the UAV terminal through the interaction menu.
• Identify the desired RPV using map icons or callsign selection.
• Connect terminal control to the selected RPV.
• Select available pilot or weapon operator seats when applicable.
• Confirm sensor and telemetry feeds are functioning after connection.

The TYPE setting determines what an RPV will do upon reaching a waypoint. Selecting the appropriate type allows operators to control movement behaviour, engagement posture, and loiter patterns.

• MOVE
  • The RPV will move to the waypoint location and attempt to remain stationary.
  • If it cannot remain stationary, it will orbit the waypoint.
• DESTROY
  • The RPV will attempt to destroy the targeted entity.
    • This method is not highly reliable since UAV terminals cannot directly target entities with high precision.
• SEEK AND DESTROY
  • The RPV will attempt to visually detect enemies near the waypoint and engage according to its WCS.
  • This method is not consistently reliable due to detection limitations.
• HOLD
  • The RPV will move to the waypoint and remain in position, orbiting if necessary.
    • Useful for staging operations since additional waypoints can be prepared without forcing immediate movement.
  • To release HOLD, delete or change the waypoint type to MOVE.
• SENTRY
  • The RPV will move to the waypoint and hold position.
  • The RPV will attempt to detect and identify unknown units, then determine friendly or hostile status before continuing.
  • May engage hostile units while moving to the next waypoint.
• GUARD
  • Not usable in most cases, as it requires editor-set triggers to function.
• SUPPORT
  • The RPV will move to the waypoint and loiter until a unit requests support through the in-game support system.
  • Use is generally limited.
• CYCLE
  • The RPV will move to the nearest MOVE waypoint associated with the CYCLE waypoint and repeat the waypoint loop.
  • Useful for establishing patrol routes with multiple waypoints.
  • The cycle continues until the CYCLE waypoint is removed or modified.
• LOITER
  • The RPV will orbit the waypoint location.
  • Loiter radius can be adjusted through the context menu after selection.
• LAND
  • The RPV will attempt to land at the selected location.
  • Fixed-wing RPVs require a recognized airstrip.
  • Rotary-wing RPVs can land in open areas but are more reliable when using designated landing zones or helipads.

The BEHAVIOR setting controls the RPV’s Weapons Control State (WCS) and determines how it will respond to potential targets. It is recommended to set RPV WCS to NEVER FIRE to ensure all weapons employment is controlled by a human operator. 

WCS Options

• NEVER FIRE
  • The RPV will not fire weapons under any circumstances.
  • Requires human authorization for all weapon employment.
• HOLD FIRE
  • The RPV will not engage targets unless explicitly ordered.
  • Provides strict control over weapon release.
• HOLD FIRE, ENGAGE AT WILL
  • The RPV may only engage targets that directly threaten it or friendly forces.
  • Provides limited autonomous defence capability.
• OPEN FIRE
  • The RPV may engage targets without waiting for additional authorization.
  • Increases responsiveness but reduces operator control.
• OPEN FIRE, ENGAGE AT WILL
  • The RPV may freely engage targets within WCS and threat parameters.
  • Provides maximum autonomy but carries the highest risk of misidentification or unintended engagement.

The ALTITUDE setting determines the height a UAV will attempt to maintain while moving toward a waypoint. Altitude cannot typically be adjusted at the current location, so altitude changes usually require setting a new waypoint or manually controlling the UAV.

Selecting appropriate altitude improves survivability and mission effectiveness. Higher altitudes are generally sufficient to reduce the effectiveness of small arms fire against small UAVs (sUAVs), while still allowing for effective surveillance and navigation.

Altitude selection should balance:

• Threat exposure
• Sensor effectiveness
• Mission requirements
• Airspace deconfliction with friendly assets

• Create waypoints using map controls.
• Modify waypoint behaviour using the waypoint context menu.
• Use waypoint tasking to direct RPV movement and mission behaviour.
• Adjust waypoint parameters as mission conditions change.

RPV sensor systems provide situational awareness for ISR and targeting support. Operators should focus on interpreting sensor information rather than platform-specific interface layouts.

Displays typically present:

• Left side: Speed, altitude, camera angle, grid location, and time.
• Centre: Bearing, camera direction, target range, crosshair alignment, and magnification.
• Right side: Target grid and range data.

Common imaging modes include visual, night vision, and thermal (white-hot or black-hot).

Auxiliary sensors or AI-assisted detection systems may display contact markers within the sensor field of view. Detection reliability may vary based on platform capability and environmental conditions.

Map and navigation overlays may be used to maintain spatial awareness and confirm platform orientation.

• Adjust zoom using platform zoom controls.
• Switch imaging modes using platform imaging controls.
• Lock or unlock targets using targeting controls.
• Slew turret to map or grid locations using map or grid input functions.
• Place map markers to report contacts using appropriate communication channels.
• Measure distance and azimuth using two-point measurement tools.
• Maintain visual tracking of targets when conducting ISR or fire support observation.

RPVs are manually controlled using methods similar to their manned platform counterparts. Refer to applicable flight ( FM/G204 - Take off and landing and FM/G122 - Fixed wing flight basics) and vehicle operation guides for detailed manoeuvring principles.

All RPV weapon releases must be directly authorized and controlled by a human operator unless explicitly authorized otherwise through an OPORD or Field Leader (FL).

This policy is mandatory and applies to all RPV combat operations. Autonomous or AI-directed weapon releases are prohibited unless specifically approved through formal operational orders or command authorization channels.