Air Force Research Laboratory’s Post

Revolutionizing Military Logistics with Autonomous Aviation The recent AGILE FLAG 24-3 exercise showcased a groundbreaking shift in military logistics, thanks to advancements in autonomous aviation technology. The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) demonstrated how autonomous aircraft can transform supply chain operations, ensuring rapid, efficient, and secure delivery of critical supplies to remote or contested areas. During the exercise, autonomous systems played a crucial role in the logistics operations, moving essential cargo without the need for human pilots. This capability is a game-changer for the military, offering enhanced flexibility and resilience in challenging environments. Key highlights from the exercise include: - The successful integration of autonomous aircraft into complex logistics scenarios. - The demonstration of safe and reliable cargo delivery in both peacetime and combat conditions. - The potential for these systems to reduce risk for personnel and streamline operations. The AGILE FLAG 24-3 exercise underscores the importance of innovation in military operations, and AFRL’s leadership in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with autonomous technology. As these systems continue to evolve, we can expect them to play an even more significant role in modern warfare and logistics. #AutonomousAviation #MilitaryLogistics #Innovation #USAF #DefenseTechnology #AFRL #AGILEFLAG #SupplyChain

Exciting developments in AI and aviation! Autonomous fighter jets are now undergoing real-world tests against human pilots. Check out this one. #AI #Aviation #AutonomousSystems #MilitaryTechnology #FighterJets #AviationTechnology #DefenseIndustry

🔓✈️ Reliable Robotics Corporation has recently made crucial advancements in #AutonomousFlightCapabilities by achieving key milestones with the Federal Aviation Administration (#FAA) and the United States Department of Defense (#DoD). 🔑 Achievements at a Glance: 1. #FAACertification: The company has made significant progress towards FAA #Certification for its #Navigation and #Autopilot systems. These advancements allow for complete autopilot control throughout all flight phases, marking a leap towards #FullAutonomy in #Aviation. 2. #MilitaryDemonstrations: Demonstrating its autonomous system's versatility, the company successfully executed a mission for the Air Force's AFWERX #AutonomyPrime, showcasing the system's capability for military logistics, emphasizing the strategic benefits of remote operation and rapid deployment. 🤝 Industry and Public Sector Synergies: The collaboration between Reliable Robotics and public agencies like the FAA and DoD is pivotal, driving the integration of autonomous systems into national and military airspace. Such partnerships accelerate technological advancements while ensuring safety and operational integration. 🚁 Impact on Aviation at Large: The development of autonomous capabilities signifies a revolution in #OperationalEfficiency, #Safety, and #StrategicFlexibility for both civilian and military aviation sectors. https://lnkd.in/eZVVnTkp #Drones #DroneTech #AutonomousFlight #AutonomousAricraft #AdvancedAirMobility #AAM #AviationInnovation #ReliableRobotics #FutureOfFlight

Natilus POD was featured in Simple Flying in an article discussing "One of the most exciting and potentially disrupting changes in aviation is for remotely piloted (and even fully autonomous) aircraft." Read about our remotely operated cargo aircraft and POD in this article: https://lnkd.in/g2_RK-Ur

AUTONOMOUS F-16 JET, IS THAT A PR GAG? - IF THIS IS TRUE, THEN PILOTS WILL NO LONGER BE NEEDED, NOT EVEN BY REMOTE CONTROL “I’m going to take a ride in an autonomously flown F-16 later this year” Frank Kendall III Air Force Secretary OVERVIEW "The Air Force is set to modify six F-16s to test autonomous tech and software at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., as part of the VENOM project. The first 3 fighters arrived earlier April 1. Once transformed, the jets will still have pilots in the cockpit to engage in real-time autonomy, retaining control over specific algorithms during test flights. One F-16 will also have a distinguished visitor. “There will be a pilot with me who will just be watching, as I will be, as the autonomous technology works, and hopefully, neither he nor I will be needed to fly the airplane.”" THE APPLICATION "“The initial role for the aircraft was going to be counter-air, but it will have the potential to do other things,” said Kendall. Lt. Gen. Richard G. Moore Jr., deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, echoed Kendall, stating that the current focus is on “increasing the number of weapons in a formation.” “The one that we’re going to focus on first is the ability to augment the shooters and to add additional rails to the formations that we send forward,” Moore said during an April 9 AFA Warfighters in Action event. “There are other things like electronic warfare or ISR or even tanking, there are a lot of things that you could go to, but that’s not our focus.”" EPILOGUE “1. The first increment, which we’re trying to get out quickly, is sort of a minimum viable product,” said Kendall. 2. “Then, the second follow-on increments will add additional capabilities.” CCA "A CCA is a military drone with an onboard AI control system and capability to carry and deliver a significant military weapons load. Its AI system is envisaged as being significantly lighter and lower-cost than a human pilot with their associated life support systems, but offering comparable capability in flying the aircraft and in mission execution. The principal application is to elevate the role of human pilots to mission commanders, leaving AIs to operate under their tactical control as high-skill operators of relatively low-cost robotic craft. CCAs can perform other missions as well, as "a sensor, as a shooter, as a weapons carrier, as a cost reducer"." https://lnkd.in/dpr8bVgV MY2CENTS 1. A full autonomous F-16 needs take-off & landing capabilities, let alone cruising & combat situations is highly unlikely. 2. Even for a human, an intense education is required, let alone the pilot training for air refueling & other maneuvers. 3. A pilot using remote control of the plane is more likely. LINKS INTERESTING PROJECTS - AUTONOMOUS LOW COST CARGO PLANE, ONLY WHERE IS THE AI PILOT? https://lnkd.in/egRqa9vX NEUROROBOTICS https://lnkd.in/g_55qvFX https://lnkd.in/d_quJWc4

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Embention, a leader in aerospace technology, celebrates a significant milestone as the EASA - European Union Aviation Safety Agency, approves the certification basis for their Veronte Autopilot. This marks the first ETSO-C198 certification for a guidance and flight control system designed for both UAS and eVTOL aircraft. Embention’s dedication to meeting stringent aviation standards is evident in their compliance with DO-178C, DO-254, DO-160, ISO9001, and EN9100 certifications. The Veronte Autopilot’s miniaturized design ensures advanced control capabilities for unmanned and manned autonomous vehicles. EASA’s approval of the Certification Programme and Article Technical Specification under ETSO-C198 signifies a pivotal achievement, setting the stage for further certifications crucial for unmanned aircraft operations under Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and VTOL (VCA) aircraft carrying passengers. Javier Espuch, Chief Business Development Officer at Embention, emphasizes, “This milestone with EASA underscores our commitment to innovation and safety in airspace integration. It paves the way for widespread adoption of our Veronte Autopilot in critical applications such as urban air mobility and air taxis.” Read more about Embention’s pioneering certification journey and the Veronte Autopilot’s capabilities on our blog. #AvfoilNews #Embention #VeronteAutopilot #ETSO #EASA #AviationCertification #UAS #eVTOL #AerospaceTechnology #UrbanAirMobility #AirTaxis #FlightControlSystems #InnovationInAviation #SafetyStandards #FutureOfFlight

Another strategic move in the #future of #aviation and #electricflight ⚡⚡

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Joby Aviation, Inc., a developer of electric air taxis, has acquired the autonomy division of Xwing Inc., a leader in autonomous aviation technology. Xwing, established in 2016, has made significant strides with its Superpilot software, enabling fully autonomous gate-to-gate flights. It is noted for completing 250 autonomous flights and more than 500 auto-landings, earning it the first FAA certification for a large unmanned aerial system and an Air Force Military Flight Release. This acquisition places Joby at the forefront of aviation autonomy, building on its 2021 acquisition of radar technology developer Inras GmbH. The integration of Xwing's expertise is expected to enhance Joby's piloted and future autonomous operations, also aiding in fulfilling U.S. Department of Defense contracts. The acquisition, settled with Joby shares, includes all of Xwing’s automation and autonomy technology. This strategic move is anticipated to accelerate the integration of autonomous aircraft into the national airspace, benefiting both commercial and military sectors. https://lnkd.in/eAbm64MC $JOBY Joby Aviation