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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has announced a collaboration with BAE Systems to demonstrate unique electronic warfare (EW) capabilities remotely controlled via a secure, jam-resistant Link 16 network on an MQ-20 Avenger.
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The Avenger is a jet-powered platform used extensively as a test bed for autonomous UAS development and the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, while the demonstration helps accelerate emerging networked electronic attack capabilities for US Air Force autonomous collaborative platforms (ACPs).
The demonstration took place at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ (GA-ASI) Desert Horizon flight operations facility in El Mirage, California, and is part of an ongoing series of technology insertion and autonomous flights performed using internal research and development funding to prove important concepts.
Mike Atwood, vice president of advanced programs at GA-ASI, said, “This effort featured novel mission system capabilities and the viability of autonomous payload control on our MQ-20. We’re identifying key areas for improvement, while sharing investment and reducing risk.”
BAE Systems provided customised mission technology that included EW capabilities, a multifunctional processor (MFP), and a Link 16 terminal.
The company successfully tested the integrated solution in its system integration lab to identify and jam threats autonomously and under control of an operator. Command, control, and status of the EW system were made possible through software-based, open-mission-system compliant message translation hosted on the MFP.
Scott Bailie, director of advanced electronic warfare solutions at BAE Systems, added, “We are working closely with General Atomics to highlight the maturity of autonomous EW mission systems in support of US Air Force objectives. We are combining proven EW technology and secure command and control on a rapid timeline in a small form factor well-suited for CCAs."
A secure Link 16 networking waveform was used to disseminate this information.
