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)
The flight test formed part of a larger programme of work to provide mission autonomy software to integrate, data links and other advanced mission systems onto the Avenger UAS.
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
-
![US Air Force seeks additional suppliers of bunker bomb warheads]()
US Air Force seeks additional suppliers of bunker bomb warheads
The USAF plans to award up to four contracts to expand production of large penetrator warhead case assemblies supporting the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator and future GBU-76 Next-Generation Penetrator.
-
![BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly]()
BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly
The first render for the demonstrator was unveiled in July 2025, with BAE Systems now aiming for the start of final assembly by the end of 2026 to prepare the aircraft for first flight by 2027.
-
![Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers]()
Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
The recent operational use and success of the APKWS laser-guidance kit on the UK RAF's Typhoons has driven demand from other Eurofighter customers for integration of the system on their own combat aircraft fleet, according to BAE Systems.
