GA-ASI and USAF Conduct Advanced Manned-Unmanned Teaming Demonstration with MQ-20 Avenger and F-35
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently collaborated on a flight test demonstration showcasing the advanced manned-unmanned teaming capabilities of the MQ-20 Avenger.
Manned-Unmanned Teaming involves pairing warplanes with human pilots with autonomous aircraft, enabling a new era of combat.
The demonstration was performed in collaboration with:
- F-35 Joint Program Office
- 309th Software Engineering Group
- 461st Flight Test Squadron
- 370th Flight Test Squadron
- Lockheed Martin
- Autonodyne
During the flight test, the airborne MQ-20 Avenger CCA surrogate— equipped with GA-ASI’s TacACE (Tactical Autonomy Ecosystem)—communicated with an F-35 Lightning II fighter jet on the ground, wherein the F-35 pilot transmitted tactical autonomy commands using a tablet he had in the cockpit.
The MQ-20’s TacACE accepted the commands, showcasing how Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications are possible with a tactical proliferated low Earth orbit data link.
As the MQ-20 shared critical autonomous responses with and received autonomy commands back from the F-35, it was able to do tasks like:
- Executing tactical maneuvers
- Adjusting waypoints
- Pass ADS-B track data to the F-35
“This significant warfighter integration milestone is the beginning of operational readiness for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft and demonstrates the near-term opportunities for force integration,” said Michael Atwood, vice president of Advanced Programs.
Atwood added, “Events like these drive home GA-ASI’s continued commitment to adoption of next-generation data links, mission autonomy, and unmanned air combat operations.”