USN demonstrates AI autonomy on BQM-177A subsonic target
NAVAIR's PMA-281 and PMA-208 programmes demonstrated AI-based autonomy on the BQM-177A aerial target during a 5 August test event at the Point Mugu Sea Test Range, California. (Shield AI)
The US Navy (USN) has flown artificial intelligence (AI)-based autonomy on the BQM-177A subsonic aerial target to demonstrate how the technology can improve threat representations while informing Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) concepts.
Announcing the test on 22 September, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) said Hivemind AI pilot software provided by Shield AI had “demonstrated Advanced Vehicle Control Laws (AVCL) while adding some autonomy elements” to the BQM-177A. The test event, flown on 5 August under the Experimental Platform for Intelligent Combat (EPIC) project, marked a major milestone towards the USN's first beyond-visual-range autonomy mission on a high-speed platform.
Developed and manufactured by Kratos' Unmanned Systems business, the BQM-177A replicates modern subsonic anti-ship cruise missile threats in support of fleet training for both developmental and operational tests. It can support various mission requirements by carrying an array of internal and external payloads.
NAVAIR's Strike Planning and Execution (PMA-281) and Aerial Targets (PMA-208) programme offices worked with Shield AI in 2024 to integrate the Hivemind AI pilot software into the BQM-177A target vehicle. Hivemind enables aircraft to operate independently using real-time sensor data and onboard processing to make decisions, plan routes, and execute manoeuvres.
During the 5 August event on the Point Mugu Sea Test Range in California, Shield AI flew two BQM-177As – one demonstrating AVCL, a core capability for integrating autonomy, and the other incorporating additional autonomous behaviours. According to Shield AI, the test event demonstrated control hand-off, onboard system communication, and integration with Kratos' updated AVCL following flight clearance through the navy's safety and airworthiness process.
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