RAAF looks at AI for low-cost SAR
The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF’s) Plan Jericho initiative has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) prototype called Ai-Search to improve airborne search and rescue (SAR) operations.
Plan Jericho is the RAAF’s plan to transform itself into a fifth-generation enabled force by 2025.
The prototype uses AI to augment and enhance low-cost SAR capabilities on any defence platform, including UAS, by training a machine-learning algorithm and Ai sensors to complement existing visual search techniques.
The algorithm was developed in two weeks with the help of the Warfare Innovation Navy Branch. Development was supported by a C-27J Spartan equipped with sensors that flew sorties over the Tamar River in Tasmania, gathering data - capturing footage of a range of life rafts, lifeboats and safety equipment - in order to train the system.
The proof of concept will now be evaluated in a series of test flights.
Director Plan Jericho Group Captain Jerome Reid said this was how Jericho needed to approach advanced capability for defence.
‘Empower our bright sparks, connect them with mentors and resources, get out of their way and let the magic happen,’ Reid said. ‘Jericho is running EDGY Air Force, a new Jericho acceleration programme, to bring out the talents of our people.’
Ai-Search is a Plan Jericho collaboration with the Warfare Innovation Navy Branch, Air Mobility Group’s No 35 Squadron and the University of Tasmania’s Australian Maritime College. More partners, including Defence Science and Technology, have been engaged to contribute to future project phases.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts
In July 2023, Damen and Thales signed contracts to design, build and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.
-
SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
-
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
-
Royal Navy welcomes mine-hunting mothership
RFA Stirling Castle, a 6,000-tonne vessel, will start operations later this year.