High Fliers On The Ground
If someone told you remote control planes were important to Singapore’s defence, you’d probably think that person was dreaming. But for LTA Dennis Tay, it’s a dream that’s very much reality.
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For most people, a typical day at the office involves typing, photocopying and squinting at a monitor. But Dennis Tay isn’t most people. “It’s like big boys with big toys with advanced technology added in,” says the Lieutenant. It isn’t far from the truth; Dennis is a UAV Pilot Officer.
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If you’re wondering what a UAV Pilot Officer does, well, he pilots planes… from the ground. A UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is exactly what its name implies: a pilot-less plane. LTA Dennis controls his UAV via remote control.
Because of this, UAVs are smaller, lighter and quieter than traditional planes, making them perfect observers. “UAVs fly up to 15,000 feet and 100km away. At that height, the sound is unnoticeable and since it’s smaller than a normal plane, it’s usually undetectable by radar.”
Once airborne, a powerful camera at the bottom of the plane captures footage in real-time and relays it back to base. For Dennis, it’s like being a cameraman, “We are like the RSAF’s news crew filming live TV, allowing commanders on the ground to make swift and decisive decisions.” And with the camera’s zooming capability, even the smallest details can be seen.
But controlling the UAV isn’t all of LTA Dennis’s responsibilities. As Mission Commander, he also plans the flight path of the UAV and provides data to enable timely decision-making.
With such advanced technology being used today, does Dennis see a future where pilots won’t be needed to risk their lives? “Only when you combine the capabilities of both humans and technology, balancing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Until then, I feel pilots will still be necessary when the situation arises.”
When asked if his present job is realisation of a certain childhood hobby, the recently-married man smiles. “No, I didn’t have a remote control plane when I was a kid. They were simply too expensive.”
Missing In Action
Some people aren’t used to seeing a pilot-less plane. Dennis recalls, “Road users at Lim Chu Kang sometimes see the UAV taking off and are quite taken aback as there’s no pilot. Some will even try to spot where the pilot is hiding on the plane!”
Three’s Company
It actually takes 3 people to pilot a UAV. The External Pilot controls the UAV during takeoff from the side of the runway. Once it’s out of visual range, the Internal Pilot takes over. A Payload Operator mans the camera, sending real-time footage back to base.
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Last updated on 28 Feb 2008
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