General Atomics achieves AI flight milestone with Avenger UAV
Collaboration between human and AI pilots was carried out using GA-ASI's Collaborative Combat Aircraft ecosystem over a SATCOM data link. (Photo: GA-ASI)
General Atomics has used an MQ-20 Avenger to demonstrate collaboration between human and AI pilots over a low-Earth-orbit SATCOM data link.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has conducted a live tactical air combat manoeuvre using artificial intelligence (AI) pilots to control a company-owned MQ-20 Avenger UAS.
Collaboration between human and AI pilots was carried out using a live, virtual, constructive Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) ecosystem over a low Earth orbit (LEO) SATCOM provider’s IP-based data link.
The SATCOM connection was also used to retrain and redeploy AI pilots while the aircraft was airborne.
The trial used two L3Harris RASOR processors – one housing the transceiver card and another controlling a Ball Aerospace BLOS data link with active electronically scanned array.
GA-ASI's senior director of advanced programmes Michael Atwood said: 'It displayed effective BLOS command and Control through the collaboration between three defence primes. This showcases our rapidly maturing CCA mission system suite and moves us one step closer to providing this revolutionary capability to the warfighter.'
Operator commands were captured via hands on throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls and sent via the SATCOM link to AI pilots running Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithms.
The operators were provided updates from the AI pilots on a head-up display and could dynamically re-task via HOTAS. In addition, AI monitoring data was collected and sent to a ground station where the agents were retrained to improve performance, and then redeployed via the SATCOM link.
More from Air Warfare
-
![General Atomics empowers US Army MDO demo with Gray Eagle]()
General Atomics empowers US Army MDO demo with Gray Eagle
In support of the US Army, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) has integrated and tested new capabilities on the Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) as part of an effort to modernise the UAS for multi-domain operations (MDO).
-
![Malaysia orders ATR 72 MPA aircraft from Leonardo]()
Malaysia orders ATR 72 MPA aircraft from Leonardo
Leonardo has scored a hard-won contract to supply maritime patrol aircraft to Malaysia.
-
![US V-22 Osprey clutch-related grounding issue remains mystery]()
US V-22 Osprey clutch-related grounding issue remains mystery
The US government and industry aim to complete the replacement of affected clutch parts by autumn. The Japanese V-22 fleet is expected to follow the same procedure to avoid the the same problem arising.
-
![Trillium imaging payloads selected for British Army's Stalker VXE30 drone fleet]()
Trillium imaging payloads selected for British Army's Stalker VXE30 drone fleet
Trillium Engineering's HD55 series payloads will equip the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Stalker VXE30 ISR UAS supplied to the British Army under the UK MoD's Project Tiquila effort.
-
![US declines Thai F-35 fighter request, offers F-15 and F-16]()
US declines Thai F-35 fighter request, offers F-15 and F-16
The US has advised the Royal Thai Air Force that the service is not ready to operate the F-35 yet, according to local media reports.
