The S-PLANE X-KIT enables rapid conversion of manned or unmanned aircraft into certified and experimental unmanned and optionally piloted airborne systems, and ISR mission systems. Built on S-PLANE’s proven, rugged X-SERIES technology, it features open, flexible hardware and software architectures designed to integrate with your airborne system, not force your system around our products. Compatible with almost any airframe, the X-KIT enables OEMs to retain full control of aircraft design and certification while benefiting from mature, proven automation products that reduce programme risk and accelerate development.
The X-CUBE and NX-FCU serve as the core flight automation equipment options within the X-KIT, each serving as a redundant flight control computer, power distribution unit, and data concentrator. It seamlessly integrates with third-party payloads, enhancing system capability. The X-ADT handles ISR payload management and control, onboard computing, I/O concentration, storage, video capture, communications management, encryption, video transcoding, and Ethernet switching. With these SWaP-optimised products, automation can be combined with ISR Mission systems to create ISR UAS/OPS.
S-PLANE’s TRACKER+ is a stand-alone GNSS-based antenna tracker and environmentally controlled radio enclosure, carrying multiple high-powered, long-range datalinks for seamless Line of Sight Communication (LOSCom) between aircraft and ground control stations. Dissipating 800W of radio heat and qualified to RTCA DO-380, it’s designed with certification in mind, ensuring dependable operation even in challenging environments. With MIMO mesh network radios, the TRACKER+ enables reliable, flexible communication architectures, and multiple units can be networked to extend coverage over large operational areas.
Ground control solutions are scaled to the project. The complete X-KIT architecture accommodates various modular components, including Primary Flight Controls, Ground Control Consoles (GCC) and hard I/O connect to S-PLANE’s X-RPU, a safety-critical command and control computer built on conventional redundancy and standards-based development for reliable remote operation and even piloting. GCCs configure as Remote Piloting Stations (RPS), Payload Operator Stations (POS) or Flight Test Stations (FTS), adapting to a wide range of operational demands. Our Paragon appliances deliver advanced HMI software for feature-rich Command and Control (C2) and ISR payload management. Throughout, S-PLANE works to support the integration team, not replace it, with architecture, integration, simulation, HILS/SILS and flight-test expertise, keeping customers in control of their programme.
