Northrop selected for OFFSET programme
Northrop Grumman has been selected as a Phase 1 Swarm Systems Integrator for DARPA's Offensive Swarm-Enabled Tactics (OFFSET) programme, the company announced on 13 February.
The company will launch an open architecture test bed as part of the programme, and is seeking participants to create and test their own swarm-based tactics on the platform.
Under the programme, Northrop Grumman will design, develop and deploy a swarm-system, open-based architecture for swarm technologies in both a game-based environment and physical test bed. The team will develop tactics and technologies to test on the architecture and is responsible for engaging a wider development and user audience through rapid technology-development exercises known as swarm sprints.
OFFSET intends to provide small-unit infantry forces with small UAS or small UGVs in swarms of 250 or more. These swarms will be able to support diverse missions in complex urban environments. OFFSET seeks to advance the integration of modern swarm tactics and leverage emerging technologies in swarm autonomy and human-swarm teaming.
Approximately every six months, DARPA plans to invite proposals from potential sprinters in one of the five thrust areas – swarm tactics, swarm autonomy, human-swarm teaming, virtual environment and physical test bed. The end of each sprint will coincide with live physical test experiments with DARPA, the systems integrator team and other sprinters.
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