US Air Force tests the use of autonomous flying capabilities in austere, contested scenarios
An uncrewed Cessna 208B Grand Caravan departs to deliver cargo (Photo: US Air Force/ Matthew Clouse)
Technologies to remotely control aeroplanes were demonstrated in logistics missions during the AGILE FLAG 24-3 exercise.
The US Air Force (USAF) has recently tested using autonomous flying capabilities to perform logistics missions in austere, contested scenarios. Conducted during the AGILE FLAG 24-3 exercise at Mojave Air and Space Port, California, the trials involved technologies supplied by Joby and Reliable Robotics.
As part of the Autonomy Prime programme, the systems were used to remotely control a loaded Cessna 208B Grand Caravan during taxi, take off, flying and landing.
The aircraft flew for nearly 2,000km (1,150m) between military bases and airports, delivering 5,500 kg (1,200 pounds) of cargo including parts and supplies.
Speaking to Shephard, Maj.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Air Force eyes multi-orbit SATCOM capabilities]()
US Air Force eyes multi-orbit SATCOM capabilities
The service is interested in the benefits it can provide such as network throughput, low latency, and resiliency for encrypted and non-encrypted communications.
-
![New vision-based navigation integration offers protection to UAS]()
New vision-based navigation integration offers protection to UAS
ESEN has integrated its vision-based navigation system into ArduPilot providing an alternative PNT source for UAS.
-
![L3 Technologies awarded $587 million contract for next stage of new Growler jammer]()
L3 Technologies awarded $587 million contract for next stage of new Growler jammer
The Next Generation Jammer-Low Band (NGJ-LB) is part of a larger NGJ system that will augment and ultimately replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System on the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft.
-
![BAE Systems wins $4 million in DARPA cash for AI programme]()
BAE Systems wins $4 million in DARPA cash for AI programme
The challenges of getting artificial intelligence into a jet fighter’s cockpit have proved considerable to date. BAE Systems will take a machine-learning approach to the problem.
