Deep-tech company Shield AI has completed an autonomous flight test of the BQM-177A target drone, utilising its Hivemind AI-enabled autonomy software.
The test was conducted last month at Naval Air Station Point Mugu in California.
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Shield AI stated that the test advances the US Navy’s objective of enabling beyond-visual-range autonomy missions on high-speed platforms.
This initiative is part of the Experimental Platform for Intelligent Combat (EPIC) project, which aims to develop manned-unmanned teaming capabilities.
Collaboration for the test included Naval Air Systems Command’s Strike Planning and Execution Program (PMA-281) and Aerial Targets Program (PMA-208).
Shield AI acted as the lead systems integrator and provider of mission autonomy, overseeing platform modification and payload integration.
According to Shield AI, this was the first instance where Hivemind autonomously piloted the BQM-177A. The test also demonstrated successful control handoff and system integration with Kratos’ Advanced Vehicle Control Laws.
Furthermore, the test followed the Navy’s safety and airworthiness protocols.
The BQM-177A, traditionally a high-performance aerial target, was repurposed for this test as an autonomy research platform. This role supports Navy Collaborative Combat Aircraft concepts by providing a cost-effective means to advance autonomy development.
The project also included contributions from Kratos, which managed software updates and payload integration, while CTSi created an interface that enabled operators to interact with the platform during live, virtual, and constructive simulations.
Shield AI indicated that the demonstration aligns with efforts to implement Autonomy Government Reference Architecture-compliant interfaces to boost interoperability across military platforms.
Completion of this check flight enables preparation for a final demonstration scheduled for later in the year as part of efforts to bring operational autonomy to Navy air platforms.
Shield AI Hivemind Solutions vice president Christian Gutierrez said: “This milestone reinforces that Shield AI is a highly advanced, low-risk, mission-focused partner capable of rapidly integrating autonomy onto new platforms.
“It reflects our ability to lead complex system integrations while reinforcing our customer’s goals with reliable, scalable, and interoperable autonomy solutions that are ready for real-world operations.”
In July 2024, the US Coast Guard acquired the services of the V-BAT uncrewed aerial system (UAS) manufactured by Shield AI.
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