General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) completed a pioneering test demonstrating advanced autonomous operations across multiple aircraft using next-generation software. The test included the successful simulation of an autonomous intercept and engagement.
The MQ-20 Avenger® unmanned jet, operated by GA-ASI, employed the latest government autonomy software in a complex scenario involving both live and virtual aircraft, with additional software capabilities provided by Shield AI.
The test highlighted how rapidly evolving software demands aircraft platforms capable of integrating upgrades from various vendors. GA-ASI emphasized that adherence to government reference architectures is key to enabling this kind of flexible, interoperable system.
The MQ-20 showcased advanced autonomous behaviors: organizing multi-aircraft formations, maintaining dynamic positioning, patrolling simulated combat zones, making independent tactical decisions, collaborating with human operators, and autonomously engaging two live targets with a simulated missile shot.
A unique aspect of the demonstration was the seamless mid-mission handover from the government’s autonomy software to Shield AI’s Hivemind system, which then continued the mission flawlessly. This demonstrated the power of open, standardized architectures in allowing rapid integration of software from different sources without compromising stability or performance.
The exercise underlines a future where flexible, modular autonomy solutions can be deployed rapidly, supporting a dynamic “app store” approach for integrating capabilities from a wide range of suppliers. GA-ASI’s ongoing test series proves the viability of this scalable, vendor-agnostic approach to future autonomous systems.
