Autonomous Approach and Landing Capability (AALC) Demonstration. Delivery Order 0018: Opportune Landing Site (OLS) Software Field Demonstration and Validation of Capability to Identify Landing Sites and Low Incidence of False Positives

The objective of the OLS Software Demonstration and Validation was to enable and demonstrate the capability to locate possible suitable landing zones LZs that are smooth, flat, firm, free of obstructions, and strong enough to support mobility aircraft operations. A field demonstration and assessment of the OLS runway-finding software was held in St. Clair County, IL, on 5 June 2007. The purpose of this portion of the OLS field demonstration was to assess the capability of the runway-finding software. Of the 23 software-designated sites reviewed, all were considered potentially acceptable OLSs, although they were shorter in length than what was initially sought. Of the 17 special tactics team STT-determined sites, 14 were considered potentially suitable. The implication is that the runway-finding software module of the OLS System may provide an excellent tool in helping the warfighter to achieve global access to the battlespace. Other modules of the system were not demonstrated. Future steps may include further scientific investigation and refinement of this software module. One issue is georegistration. That issue may provide a good candidate for future work under the OLS Technology Maturation Plan.