Scientific Systems Company, Inc. (SSCI) has achieved a major milestone in the field of autonomous flight systems. Their Collaborative Mission Autonomy (CMA) software was successfully tested on General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.’s MQ-20 Avenger® Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle. The tests involved a fully autonomous multi-vehicle Defensive Counter Air mission, showcasing the capabilities of the CMA software.
The flight tests, which took place in November 2023, utilized a combination of Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) MQ-20 platforms, sensors, and effectors. The objective was to simulate a realistic air combat mission, including tasks like combat air patrol, detection, tracking, targeting, and engagement of multiple targets in various scenarios.
Scientific Systems’ CMA software, operating on all the MQ-20 platforms, effectively managed the autonomous mission. The software successfully compensated for communication and coordination challenges and exhibited the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Additionally, the scenario included virtual and constructive elements modeled in the U.S. Air Force’s AFSIM software environment.
One of the key features of Scientific Systems’ CMA software is its AI and ML-driven algorithms. These algorithms generate tailored, coordinated flight behaviors based on operator inputs and mission objectives. The software also incorporates in-flight optimization algorithms that allow the uncrewed team to replan and re-coordinate their tasks and positioning autonomously, even when disconnected from human operators.
This successful demonstration of the CMA software marks a significant achievement for Scientific Systems. The company has been actively integrating and demonstrating its autonomous software on various platforms in operational contexts relevant to the U.S. Department of Defense. Previous test flight programs have showcased the software’s capabilities in air-to-ground and ground support missions.
David “Heat” Lyons, Scientific Systems’ VP of Business Development and a former combat fighter pilot, emphasized the significance of this achievement. He stated that the company’s open architecture software has proven to be effective not just in a simulation environment but also in commanding live and operationally relevant platforms like the MQ-20 Avenger in combat scenarios.
Scientific Systems’ successful demonstration of its CMA software brings us one step closer to a future where unmanned combat air vehicles can perform complex missions autonomously, improving efficiency and reducing risks for military operations.
The source of the article is from the blog reporterosdelsur.com.mx