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
-
![DARPA moves to next stage of fast cruise VTOL]()
DARPA moves to next stage of fast cruise VTOL
DARPA and SOCOM's SPRINT programme, an effort to create an X-plane to demonstrate the key technologies to enable a combination of aircraft speed and runway independence, has moved to the next phase.
-
![Brazil receives first fully operational upgraded E-99M AEW&C]()
Brazil receives first fully operational upgraded E-99M AEW&C
The updated E-99M aircraft features an updated Erieye Radar and C2 systems, as well as new EW and Identification, friend or foe (IFF) systems.
-
![Slovenia secures second C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft]()
Slovenia secures second C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft
A new agreement between Leonardo, the Italian government and Slovenia has marked the procurement of a second C-27J Spartan medium tactical transport aircraft for Slovenia, following an earlier deal signed in March 2022.
-
![Boeing shifts towards low-rate MH-139A Grey Wolf production]()
Boeing shifts towards low-rate MH-139A Grey Wolf production
Boeing's progress in the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter programme have marked a milestone in the transition toward low-rate initial production, following the delivery of the final test aircraft to the US Air Force.
