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Uncrewed Command & Control Interface

Designed networked tactical interface for uncrewed operations using Unreal Engine 5 on dual iPads. Implemented custom RPCs and Protobuf messaging with <10ms latency for mission-critical operations.

Year: 2022-2023
Role: Technical Lead & Architect
Unreal Engine 5iOSProtobufNetworkingCesium

📋Overview

Architected and implemented a real-time command-and-control interface for coordinating uncrewed operations using Unreal Engine 5 on networked iPads. The system enables operators to visualize and control multiple assets simultaneously while streaming real-time tactical data from external systems. The interface needed to support two networked tablets working in concert, with operators able to seamlessly hand off control and share situational awareness. Designed custom networking layer using Protobuf for efficient message serialization and implemented low-latency RPCs for mission-critical operations. Integrated Cesium geospatial visualization engine to render accurate terrain data and overlay real-time asset positions, requiring optimization to maintain performance while streaming large terrain datasets over potentially constrained network connections.

🎯Challenges

  • Achieving <10ms end-to-end latency for mission-critical message delivery
  • Rendering large-scale terrain datasets (100+ km²) on mobile hardware at 60fps
  • Designing intuitive multi-touch interface for complex tactical operations without overwhelming operators
  • Synchronizing state across 10+ networked devices in real-time with consistency guarantees
  • Integrating with tactical messaging systems with fixed message formats
  • Maintaining system responsiveness during network disruptions or high latency conditions

💡Solutions

  • Implemented custom Protobuf-based RPC system optimized for low latency with message priority queuing
  • Developed gesture-based interaction patterns validated through iterative user testing with actual operators
  • Built robust state synchronization using deterministic update patterns with conflict resolution
  • Created translation layer abstracting legacy message formats with bidirectional conversion
  • Implemented graceful degradation with local prediction and reconciliation for network issues

🚀Outcomes & Impact

  • Successfully demonstrated system to end users in realistic field conditions
  • Achieved consistent <10ms latency even under network stress testing
  • Maintained solid 60fps rendering with 100+ km² terrain coverage
  • Received positive user feedback on interface usability and responsiveness from operators
  • System architecture patterns adopted for follow-on projects

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