2003 IMTA Proceedings - International Military Testing Association

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MALE UAVs, more often than not, through direct instructions to the UAV Operator
(Pilot) on the maneuver, circuit, and tactics required to maintain images of objects of
interest while using radar and infrared or other sensor capabilities. This relationship
between the knowledge required and tasks performed by future MALE UAV sensor
operators suggests that there may be considerable challenge involved and task,
knowledge, and interpersonal skill required on their part, in order to feed this essential
information into Canada’s net-centric warfare matrix.
Structured Interviews. Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Maritime Staff sensor operator and
support personnel were employed in the MALE UAV sensor operator position during
research events involving UAVs. Occupationally, personnel from the Airborne
Electronic Sensor Operator occupation (Chief of Air Staff), the Naval Electronic Sensor
Operator occupation and Naval Combat Information Operator occupation (Chief of
Maritime Staff) have participated in these research events. Participants averaged 19
years of military service and all but one was considered senior non-commissioned
members. One Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator participated in Robust Ram
experimentation with the I-Gnat MALE UAV. Three Airborne Electronic Sensor
Operator were employed in the MALE UAV sensor operator position during OP
GRIZZLY. Four CF members from three CF occupations were employed as UAV
Sensor operators within the Tofino UAV GCS during PLIX; two Airborne Electronic
Sensor Operator, one Naval Combat Information Operator, and one Naval Electronic
Sensor Operator. The personnel from the Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator
occupation reported that the sensor operator position required good air sense and aircrew
experience gained from at least one operational tour. They suggested that air sense,
spatial and situational awareness, and aircrew experience were necessary as well.
Personnel from the Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator and the Naval Electronic Sensor
Operator occupations also identified knowledge, skill, and experience operating Infrared
(IR) and Electro-Optical (EO) sensors as essential.
Canadian Forces’ personnel employed as sensor operators during UAV
experimentation suggested that a standard tour/posting of three to five years would be a
suitable. They suggested that the challenges involved in this position would occur from
operating new technology as a member of a new crew and acquiring the motor skills and
hand-eye coordination required in order to establish and maintain sensors on target.
Further, they reported that the GCS work environment was charged with activity,
requiring constant communication, and a proclivity for quick thinking, planning, and
preparation. Experimental MALE UAV sensor operators also found directing the UAV
Operator (Pilot) in order to maintain the sensors on a specific target was also challenging
and more so for Chief of Maritime Staff personnel employed in this capacity due perhaps
to both occupational and environmental cultural restrictions and etiquette assumed
between non-commissioned members and officers.
Environmental demands associated thus far with MALE UAV field
experimentation were reported to be inherent in air operations. Canadian Forces
personnel employed as sensor operators suggested that comprehending the present
location of the UAV in relation to its altitude, direction, distance from the GCS, and the
45 th Annual Conference of the International Military Testing Association
Pensacola, Florida, 3-6 November 2003