Universal Command and Control Interface/ UCI

Definition

UCI is the off-board complement to OMS: a standardized set of XML/Protobuf messages and service contracts that lets a controller, ground station, or another aircraft task and receive telemetry from a remote platform without proprietary glue. UCI is widely cited as a core interface for Collaborative Combat Aircraft because it permits a single C2 node to drive a mixed fleet of CCAs from different vendors. Recent revisions emphasize machine-to-machine tasking, mission threads, and resilience to intermittent links.

Reference attributes

Steward

U.S. Air Force

Encoding

XML schemas; protobuf bindings emerging

Scope

Off-board command, control, and reporting

Pairs with

Open Mission Systems

Related terms

• Open Mission Systems (OMS)
  U.S. Air Force government-owned interface standard for airborne mission systems.
• STANAG 4586
  NATO standard interface for unmanned-aircraft control stations and platforms.
• Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)
  U.S. Air Force program for affordable, autonomous wingmen teamed with crewed fighters.