Helsing’s Post

Delivering critical #AI solutions in the air domain with Helsing speed ✈️

#GripenE #ProjectBeyond #AIinAviation #FighterJet #Saab #Helsing #MilitaryAviation #Aerospace #PilotSupport #CombatReadiness #Avionics #AirForce #NextGenFighter #InnovationInDefense #DefenseTechnology #AviationNews The Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jet is set to receive a significant upgrade through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, as part of a new initiative called "Project Beyond". This project, announced at the International Fighter Conference 2024 in Berlin, is a collaboration between Swedish aerospace and defense firm Saab and AI-based software developer Helsing. ## Key Features of Project Beyond 1. **AI Integration**: The project aims to enhance the Gripen E's operational capabilities by incorporating AI systems directly into the aircraft's existing infrastructure. 2. **Pilot Assistance**: The AI will take on certain tasks, allowing pilots to focus more on mission-critical actions and reducing their overall workload. 3. **Rapid Deployment**: Unlike traditional upgrades that can take years, this AI integration is designed for quick implementation and updates. 4. **Utilization of Existing Resources**: The AI will leverage the aircraft's current data and computing infrastructure, rather than requiring new hardware installations. ## Significance in Modern Air Combat The integration of AI into the Gripen E represents a significant step in the evolution of fighter aircraft capabilities. While AI support is already present in some fifth-generation fighters like Russia's Su-57, Saab's approach with Project Beyond emphasizes rapid adoption and integration. Johan Segertoft, vice-president and head of Business Unit Gripen at Saab, highlighted the importance of this development, stating, "AI is not the future – we all have AI in our aircraft already – but harnessing the power of partnerships with new companies that are doing things radically faster than a lot of the other companies is why we are partnering with Helsing". ## Comparison with Other Fighter Jets The Gripen E's AI upgrade puts it in line with advancements seen in other modern fighter jets: 1. **Su-57**: Russia's fifth-generation stealth fighter reportedly uses AI as a virtual co-pilot, assisting in data gathering and decision-making. 2. **Sixth-Generation Fighters**: AI is expected to play a crucial role in future sixth-generation fighters, potentially transforming them into airborne data centers. ## Future Implications The rapid integration of AI into the Gripen E through Project Beyond demonstrates the growing importance of software-defined capabilities in modern air combat. This approach allows for quicker updates and adaptations to emerging threats and operational requirements, potentially setting a new standard for fighter jet upgrades in the coming years. ttps://https://lnkd.in/gbpisN2D

As AI systems enhance the operational performance of aircraft, demand for such planes is surging, driving up base values and lease rates. https://lnkd.in/gtifFvaD #ai #aviation #aircraft

~ Technology Innovation The US air force made history by organizing the first dogfight between a human pilot and an AI-controlled fighter jet. This happened at Edwards Air Force Base in California in September last year. The computer-operated F-16 faced off against a manned F-16 aircraft in aerial combat. The two jets, reaching speeds of 1,200 miles per hour, practiced defensive and offensive maneuvers, including close-range combat called dogfighting. They even got as close as 2,000 feet (610 meters) to each other during the exercise. The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) released video of the close-range air combat between the two jets. The footage shows the jets maneuvering around each other as they fly through the sky. The autonomous aircraft, named the X-62A Variable Stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), is a modified F-16 equipped with an AI program. Since its construction in December 2022, the jet has been on over 21 test flights, accumulating more than 17 hours of flight time. This marks the first instance of using machine learning to control a fighter jet. While flying, the AI algorithm on the jet examines data and makes instant decisions, a method known as machine learning. This mimics how fighter pilots develop their instincts through years of practice. Carrying out a dogfight between an AI-powered jet and a human marks a “transformational moment in aerospace history”, DARPA said in a statement.

Reliable Robotics announced that it has received military airworthiness approval to begin flight testing and operational missions of its remotely piloted Cessna 208 Caravan for the United States Air Force. This approval signifies a deeper level of engagement with the United States Department of Defense by enabling Reliable Robotics to demonstrate dual-use automated flight capabilities for military use cases, including cargo missions. Reliable Robotic’s collaboration with AFWERX began in 2021 and includes SBIR awards, as well as a large aircraft automation study. “Our AFWERX partners are developing exciting automation technologies through robust engineering and flight test campaigns,” said Hank “Hog” Griffiths, AFWERX airworthiness and test lead. “The technology is maturing rapidly and this airworthiness approval for a certified aircraft retrofitted with an autonomous flight system provides significant opportunities for the military.” Read more here about this airworthiness milestone: https://ow.ly/VGtq50QxWW6 . . . #AFWERX #Prime #AFVentures #SBIR #USAF #DoD #airworthiness #automation #technology #mission #innovation

 World's first dogfight between AI and human pilot An F-16 fighter plane running on artificial intelligence has engaged in the first-ever aerial dogfight exercise with a human-piloted counterpart. This is the first footage of the September mock fight, conducted as part of DARPA's Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program. AI on aircraft is far from new, even on warplanes. In fact, the military applications of AI are a major part of technological initiatives aimed at improving conventional forces by giving them robotic reinforcements. In the case of the US and other air forces, this includes creating unpiloted Loyal Wingmen with the same performance capabilities as their piloted counterparts. To achieve this, DARPA started its ACE program featuring the X-62A, also known as the Variable In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA). This is a Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 30 Peace Marble II aircraft that has been fitted with Block 40 avionics and other modifications that allow it to incorporate AI. It's already shown the ability to log a number of flight hours without human control, but that's still a long way from what the US Air Force wants. This is where dogfighting comes in. At first glance, it looks as if DARPA is working on an autonomous fighter jet that can engage in dramatic Top Gun-type engagements. However, dogfighting is a bit outdated in the 21st century, where 5th-Generation fighters are designed to be part of a global network of sensors, weapons, command and control systems that allow an F-35 Lightning II and similar aircraft to detect and destroy hostiles without even seeing them above the horizon. What's at stake is how to make the AI more effective. Until recently, the main way of producing AI for aerospace was to take the expert approach, where the programmers relied on predefined rules as written by experts for specific conditions. Simulations and flight tests were designed to confirm or amend these rules with the main approach being based on the laws of physics. The ACE program is aiming at using machine learning as an alternative. In this, the AI is capable of adjusting its behavior based on historical data and experience in a non-linear interactive system. This can produce new insights and is especially useful in dynamic situations where the rules are unclear and outcomes are unpredictable. It's a fertile approach, but it has its problems. It requires a lot bigger data workload and much more complexity when it comes to problem-solving. This puts a lot more load on the computers. In addition, there are problems with understanding and verifying what the AI is doing and why. As far as the pilots working with the AI are concerned, this translates into one word: Trust. If that isn't there, the pilots won't have anything to do with machine learning AI. William Gray, Chief Test Pilot, USAFTPS, and other engineers conduct software updates to the X-62 VISTA

Reliable Robotics Corporation, a pioneer in safety-enhancing aircraft automation systems, has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of a KC-135 Stratotanker Automation Study for the United States Air Force (USAF). This study, commissioned under a Small Business Innovation Research Phase III contract, validates Reliable’s ability to integrate autonomous flight systems into large multi-engine aircraft, unlocking transformative capabilities for military operations. Colonel Lisa Nemeth, Deputy Director at Headquarters Air Mobility Command, highlighted the pivotal role of autonomy in enhancing global missions and combat readiness for the Air Force. Automation of KC-135 operations, including refueling and joint operations, enables focus on higher-complexity tasks, driving operational efficiency and agility. Leveraging Reliable’s advanced automation technology for the KC-135 Stratotanker promises increased operational tempo, innovative logistics, enhanced readiness, and reduced operational costs, crucial for sustaining air power in dynamic environments. Juerg Frefel, CTO and Co-founder of Reliable Robotics, expressed confidence in delivering a proof of concept for automated KC-135 operations, building on advanced Federal Aviation Administration certification progress and successful demonstrations of unmanned flights with other aircraft. Reliable Robotics’ success in USAF collaborations and industry-leading FAA certification progress positions them uniquely to deliver transformative automation capabilities for large aircraft, ensuring safety, performance, and mission success for the United States Department of Defense. For comprehensive insights on this groundbreaking study, visit our blog. #AvfoilNews #ReliableRobotics #USAF #AircraftAutomation #AviationInnovation #MilitaryTechnology #FAACertification #DefenseInnovation

AFWERX Prime partner Reliable Robotics has been awarded an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract leveraging the company’s dual-use technology to provide advanced automation to United States Air Force airlift and refueling aircraft. The contract is also a vehicle for AFWERX and Reliable Robotics to explore partnerships with other branches of the military and combatant commands to scale and transition Reliable’s advanced automation technologies for specific use cases. "Aircraft autonomy is a mission critical capability for the United States Department of the Air Force. This IDIQ contract is driven by demand from Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces and commands that want to employ advanced aircraft automation in their fleets as soon as possible," said Lt. Col. Josh Fehd, AFWERX Autonomy Prime branch chief. Learn more: https://ow.ly/fNja50TvpWK . . . #AFWERX #Prime #AutonomyPrime #partner #autonomousflight #futureofflight #technology #innovation