U.S.A.F. Research Lab Marks First Flight of Skyborg Automomous Teaming Aircraft Our Bureau 1366
Skyborg ACS launches aboard a Kratos UTAP-22 tactical unmanned vehicle at Tyndall AFB, Florida on April 29. @U.S.A.F.
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory conducted the first flight of the Skyborg autonomy core system (ACS) aboard a Kratos UTAP-22 tactical unmanned vehicle at Tyndall AFB, Florida.
The ACS is the ‘brain’ of the Skyborg Vanguard program is to integrate full-mission autonomy with low-cost, attritable unmanned air vehicle technology to enable manned-unmanned teaming.
In the two-hours and ten minute flight performed on April 29, termed Milestone 1 of the Autonomous Attritable Aircraft Experimentation (AAAx) campaign, the ACS performed a series of foundational behaviors necessary to characterize safe system operation. The ACS demonstrated basic aviation capabilities and responded to navigational commands, while reacting to geo-fences, adhering to aircraft flight
1 minute read The Skyborg autonomy core system launches aboard a Kratos UTAP-22 tactical unmanned vehicle at Tyndall AFB, Florida. Image: US Air Force
The US Air Force test flew an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) last month carrying a hardware/software autonomy suite for the first time, the service said in a statement.
The Skyborg suite, which will allow the “teaming” of manned and unmanned aircraft, flew aboard a Kratos UTAP-22 Mako air vehicle as the first step in the Autonomous Attritable Aircraft Experimentation campaign.
The campaign was initiated by the USAF Research Laboratory with the goal of building a cheaper alternative to manned aircraft capable of performing all the functions of a manned aircraft, as well as being able to fly with one as a wingman.
Termed Milestone 1 of the Autonomous Attritable Aircraft Experimentation (AAAx) campaign, the ACS performed a series of foundational behaviors necessary to characterize safe system operation. The ACS demonstrated basic aviation capabilities and responded to navigational commands, while reacting to geo-fences, adhering to aircraft flight envelopes, and demonstrating coordinated maneuvering. It was monitored from both airborne and ground command and control stations.
The Skyborg Vanguard team is a unique relationship that pairs Brig. Gen. Dale White, Program Executive Officer for Fighters and Advanced Aircraft as the Skyborg PEO, and Brig. Gen. Heather Pringle, Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory as the Skyborg Technology Executive Officer (TEO). The 96
May 4, 2021
The Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges program office (PMA-205) received Milestone C approval for its next-generation air combat training system, the Tactical Combat Training System Increment II (TCTS II) on April 27, 2021.
Approved by Program Executive Officer for Aviation Common Systems and Commercial Services (PEO(CS)), Gary Kurtz, Milestone C clears the way for the TCTS II program to transition into limited production with the support of industry partner, Collins Aerospace Systems (Collins), Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Going into production of this capability comes after many years of work and planning done by the PMA-205 and Collins team. “I could not be more proud of this team’s achievement revolutionizing the way we train,” said Kurtz.
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