UAV.COM’s Post

DARPA's Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program marks a revolutionary advancement in integrating AI with human pilots in air combat, demonstrating a successful AI-versus-human dogfight with an actual aircraft. This milestone, described as a fundamental paradigm shift, involved the ACE-controlled modified F-16, the X-62A VISTA, which effectively conducted defensive and offensive maneuvers without violating safety or ethical norms. The program's success in these rigorous tests underscores DARPA's aim to enhance AI integration in military aviation and build pilot trust in autonomous systems. The implications of this technology extend beyond dogfighting, suggesting potential applications in various complex, high-stakes military operations, emphasizing the effectiveness and safety of AI in aerospace vehicles. This development positions the U.S. at the forefront of autonomous combat aviation technology, promising transformative changes in military capabilities. #darpa #ace #ai #militaryaviation #autonomousflight #dogfighting #x62avista #usairforce #aerospace #technology Source- https://lnkd.in/gWZwuyia

Leveraging MOSA Strategies for Uncrewed Systems: Join me, Hans Weggeman and John Breitenbach for Session 1 of the Uncrewed Systems Virtual Conference next week on Tuesday, April 2. Register here: https://lnkd.in/esY_txCS #MOSA #avionics #Sensors #unmanned Military Embedded Systems

Based on the report... By arranging the first battle between a human pilot and an AI-controlled fighter jet, the US Air Force created history. This incident occurred in September of last year at the Californian Edwards Air Force Base. In aerial combat, a manned F-16 aircraft and the computer-controlled F-16 engaged in combat. At 1,200 miles per hour, the two planes performed both offensive and defensive manoeuvres, including dogfighting, which is close-quarters warfare. During the practice, they even came within 2,000 feet (610 meters) of one another. The two jets engaged in close-quarters aerial battle, captured on camera by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The aircraft can be seen circling one another as they soar through the sky in the video. The AI-equipped modified F-16, known as the X-62A Variable Stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), is the autonomous aircraft. The aircraft has completed more than 21 test flights since it was built in December 2022, clocking up more than 17 hours of flight time. This is the first time a fighter jet has been piloted by machine learning. The jet's AI algorithm uses machine learning to analyze data while in flight and makes judgments instantly. This is similar to how years of training help combat pilots hone their instincts. A "transformational moment in aerospace history" will occur when an AI-powered jet and a human engage in dogfights, according to a statement from DARPA. #AI #Jets #Aerospace #History

Some of the most recent and relevant news about #militaryaviation: 🔥 Aurora Flight Sciences (a subsidiary of Boeing) has offered a new look at an experimental high-speed, runway-independent, vertical takeoff and landing-capable aircraft under development for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The design features an array of dedicated lift fans to increase operational flexibility. The high lift, low drag fan-in-wing (FIW) demonstrator aircraft would integrate a blended wing body platform with vertical flight capabilities, something never seen before. 🔥 Last week we learnt that GE is shifting the focus of its adaptive cycle engine from the #F35 to the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (#NGAP) program to equip the future US sixth-gen fighter jet. This week, Pratt & Whitney disclosed that a digital Preliminary Design Review (PDR) has already been completed. 🔥 Speaking again of the Next Generation Air Dominance (#NGAD) program, Lockheed Martin has released a video for the 80th anniversary of #SkunkWorks. In this video, the company has shown a sketch of sixth-gen fighter jet, but also some references to the #SR72 reconnaissance aircraft and a previously unseen stealth flying wing drone. #military #aviation

Targeting Pods: How They Work and Why They Matter __________________________________________________________ A targeting pod can track and attack ground targets that are either moving or still. This device is essential for fighter aircraft in battle situations because of its abilities. However, it is costly to install targeting pods on fighter aircraft. The price of a targeting module varies by model, but it is around $2 million on average. In addition, the costs of keeping and fixing targeting modules are very high. Other flying vehicles like drones and helicopters are also using targeting pods, which expands the market potential. Multi-spectral Sensors that is targeting pods incorporating infrared, radar, and laser technologies are offering enhanced target identification and tracking capabilities in diverse environments. According to my analysis the targeting pods market is valued at US$3.43 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to US$8.38 billion by 2030. Some of the new technologies that are shaping the future of targeting pods are: ❏ Short-wave infrared ❏ High-definition color sensors ❏ Ground moving target indication #technology #unmannedaerialvehicle #drone #aircraft #infrared #military #defense #airforce #navy #army #laser #radar #jamming (Image Source: Northrop Grumman)

The B-21 Raider, the recently unveiled Northrop Grumman aircraft, highlights the changes coming to the aviation industry over the next 20 years, which is good for the environment! The tail-less plane, the flying wing or blended wing, shows aviation is moving away from the old, tube and wing model. The new designs are thought to have fuel efficiency savings of between 20 - 50%. Where to next? Ramjets and Scramjets, like the Lockheed Martin SR-72. Imagine the above fuel savings with hyper velocity (mach 5 i.e. 6,174km per hour). Flight times between Melbourne and Los Angeles, under 3 hours. When? Not soon. The military are yet to have active units using this technology, but they are in the wings.

🤩👏 The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has picked six designs for the next phase of its AdvaNced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY (ANCILLARY) program. Designs by AeroVironment, Griffon Aerospace, Karem Aircraft, Method Aeronautics, Northrop Grumman, and Sikorsky were selected out of a total of nine. “The goal of ANCILLARY is to increase small vertical take-off and landing uncrewed aerial system capabilities by a factor of three over the current state-of-the-art flying today,” DARPA program manager for ANCILLARY Steve Komadina said. “Our performers are searching for innovative ways to increase payload weight and range/endurance of small, ship-launched UAS by means of novel configurations, propulsion, and controls while also removing the need for special infrastructure.” #military #army #defense #defence #defenseindustry #defenceindustry #defensetech #defencetech #militarytech #technology #innovation #drone #drones #uav #uas #darpa #martime #maritimedefense #maritimedefence #naval #aerospace #vtol

The NuPower™ 11B02A Mini Multi-Octave PA (MOPA) is a broadband, high-performance miniature solid-state power amplifier delivering 10 watts* of RF power for CW and near-constant-envelope waveforms across the frequency band of 200 to 2600 MHz. The NuPower™ 11B02A is the only model in the NuPower family which features low, medium, and high power “back-off” settings in support of linear waveform operation or to trade off output power in exchange for lower power consumption. The NuPower™ 11B02A’s rugged chassis allows the system integrator to easily incorporate the unit into a platform operating in harsh environments with limited space, such as small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The miniature form factor of 2.84 cubic inches brings state-of-the-art miniature power amplifier technology to the warfighter, meeting present challenges in size and weight reduction. NuWaves is shipping 3 units out later this week. If you have any questions or would like a quote, email sales@nuwaves.com or visit the product page at https://loom.ly/2hA0vnE Datasheet: https://loom.ly/ELFoXVY #NuWaves #RFSolutions #NuWavesDifference #PowerAmplifier #RangeExtension #RF #RFEngineering #Military #DOD #USArmy #MilitaryCommunications #PowerAmp #RFAmplifier #RFSuccess #RFSystems #Innovation #Microwave

Check out our latest blog as Graedon Crouch, Futures Lab Command Lead for Air, offers insight into topical technology news within Defence. Featuring analysis on the latest generative AI developments and underwater drones, read more about how innovation has the potential to impact the sector. Read more: https://ow.ly/BG3v50Revq5 #Defence #Technology #Military #Innovation (Image Credit: IEEE Spectrum)