Avenger UAS controlled in flight using Link 16
The Avenger UAS is being used to demonstrate a range of C4 and AI systems. (Image: GA-ASI)
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has flown its MQ-20 Avenger UAS using a BAE Systems Link 16 network as part of an ongoing programme to prove and demonstrate operational concepts.
The demonstration took place at GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon flight operations facility in El Mirage, California.
The company described the flight as “part of an ongoing series of technology insertion and autonomous flights performed using internal research and development funding to prove important concepts”.
The Avenger is being used as a test bed for autonomous UAS development and for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme. The demonstration is designed to accelerate emerging networked electronic attack capabilities for US Air Force Autonomous Collaborative Platforms.
The flight is part of Project Red 5 which is occurring under Office of the Under Secretary of Defense Project and run by the Test Resource Management Center.
Under the US$98 million contract, GA-ASI will operate two of its company-owned MQ-20 Avenger UAS and provide mission autonomy software to integrate, data links and other advanced mission systems.
In April last year, GA-ASI conducted a live tactical air combat manoeuvre using artificial intelligence pilots to control a company-owned MQ-20.
Collaboration between human and AI pilots was carried out using a live, virtual, constructive CCA ecosystem over a low Earth orbit SATCOM provider’s IP-based data link.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy
The potential foreign military sale covers 12 F-16 aircraft as well as related training and equipment support, the DSCA notice said.
-
DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF
Aiming to field a more integrated, agile force, the military leader said in a keynote speech that focus on these core areas would be increased to help the RAF deter and meet challenges in the new threat landscape.
-
DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
-
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.