In collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has conducted its latest demonstration performing an autonomous mission out of Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California using its MQ-20 Avenger unmanned jet and an F-22 Raptor equipped with the latest government reference autonomy software.
The test, which showcased Manned-Unmanned Teaming between the F-22 and MQ-20, leveraged autonomy and the tactical data link to enable coordination between the platforms.
Teamed Pilot Control
The mission included a live engagement between the MQ-20 and the F-22 as the command aircraft flown by an onboard human pilot, highlighting the ability to receive and execute teaming commands.
“We appreciate the flawless execution of this mission using the government’s advanced autonomous systems,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “This demonstration featured the integration of mission elements and the ability of autonomy to utilise onboard sensors to make independent decisions and execute commands from the F-22.”
Data Exchange
The demonstration showcased Manned-Unmanned Teaming and rapid software integration between the MQ-20 and the F-22, and a tactical data link used for communication and coordination between military platforms. The MQ-20 successfully exchanged messages with the F-22, and the F-22 was able to send autonomy commands to the MQ-20 via the Autonodyne Bashi Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI), directing the MQ-20 to execute tactical manoeuvres and adjust waypoints, and perform Combat Air Patrol (CAP) and airborne threat engagement tasks.
This demonstration highlighted the potential of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) to act as force multipliers for manned platforms, enabling collaboration between autonomous systems and human pilots. GA-ASI’s MQ-20 Avenger unmanned jet has served as a surrogate CCA for more than five years, both before and since the arrival of GA-ASI’s purpose-built XQ-67A and YFQ-42A aircraft.
