Definition

A Ground Control Station (GCS) is the point from which a remotely piloted aircraft is controlled.

Description

Depending on the complexity of the remotely piloted aircraft, a GCS can be as simple as a hand-held control device, or more complicated, with multiple laptop screens. Highly sophisticated unmanned aircraft, such as Predator military drones or Global Hawk surveillance aircraft, are controlled from complex stations by multiple crew members. With some long-range, highly complex drones, one GCS may handle launch and recovery, and another GCS may handle the en route portion of the flight.