According to the Apache Sensors Project Office, maintainers are encountering poor Manned Un-Manned Teaming (MUMT) signal strength on systems that check out with a test set, while pilots are reporting having bad video in the aircraft.
Loose connectors on the remotely operated vehicle enhanced radio (ROVER) and the radio frequency equipment (RFE), particularly the radio frequency or RF cables between them, appear to be the cause. If the connectors come loose, either due to incorrect installation or while in flight, it can cause a weak signal to be transmitted and received by the MUMT system.
Faults associated with bad or loose cables show up as loopback failures on the Air to Air to Ground (AAG) system. The V4.1- and V6-equipped units with Manned Un-Manned Teaming Expanded (MUMT-X) will have more detailed faults relating to Transmit (Tx)/Receive (Rx) signal failures or power control issues.
The steps for installing these components are in TM 1-1520-Longbow/Apache IETM (May 02) under remove, inspect, and install. If you’re working with the Air to Air to Ground Expanded, (AAG-X) MUMT, make sure you select the V4.1 Modification Work Order (MWO) option for your tail number in the IETM.
Got questions? Contact Mike Behr, Joe Strawser or Scott Fagersten in the Apache Sensors Project Office at: