By Garrett Reim2021-05-06T19:52:00+01:00
The US Air Force’s (USAF’s) Skyborg autonomy core system flew for the first time aboard a Kratos UTAP-22 Mako tactical unmanned vehicle (UAV) at Tyndall AFB in Florida.
During a 2h 10min flight test on 29 April, the Skyborg system demonstrated several “foundational behaviours” necessary to characterise safe operation of the autonomous system, the USAF said on 5 May.
Source: US Air Force
Kratos’ UTAP-22 Mako demonstrates the Skyborg system’s capabilities
“The [autonomy core system] demonstrated basic aviation capabilities and responded to navigational commands, while reacting to geo-fences, adhering to aircraft flight envelopes, and demonstrating coordinated manoeuvring,” says the service. “It was monitored from both airborne and ground command and control stations.”