Mesh-Networked UAVs, Aircraft Stress Test Data Sharing Capability

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems tested their collaborative, networked UAVs with crewed fighters for enhanced multi-platform sensing, demonstrating the capacity for their MQ-20 Avenger as an uncrewed aircraft. 

The test used the MQ-20, flying alongside a Lockheed Martin Sabreliner and a pair of F-5 Advanced Tigers from Tactical Air Support. The Tigers were equipped with internal TacIRST sensors, allowing General Atomics to perform multi-platform infrared sensing. During this event, each aircraft performed coordinated maneuvers to sense relevant airborne targets in the infrared spectrum. The Avenger remained connected to the Sabreliner throughout the test, retaining an active Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) mesh network to combine sensor data. To simulate wider mesh networks, 5 additional MQ-20s were simulated in a flown Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) collaborative combat mission.

“This test flight has broken new ground for us,” said GA-ASI Senior Director of Advanced Programs Michael Atwood. “It demonstrated effective collaboration between four established defense prime contractors flying with advanced sensing, crewed and uncrewed teaming, and advanced airborne high-performance computing to meet challenging air dominance scenarios. This is a clear demonstration of our rapidly maturing Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) mission system suite and moves us one step closer to providing this revolutionary capability to the warfighter.”

“Flying four platforms with TacIRST installed was a major milestone for Lockheed Martin,” stated Matthew Merluzzi, Sr. Program Manager at Lockheed Martin. “By leveraging open mission systems, our team has demonstrated that common platform integration is possible across a variety of vehicles bringing advanced capabilities to our warfighters quicker and more affordably.”

FMI: www.ga-asi.com