GA-ASI tests government autonomy software on MQ-20 Avenger

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has achieved a significant milestone in the development of Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs) by successfully integrating and flying U.S. government-provided autonomy software aboard an MQ-20 Avenger®. The demonstration took place during Orange Flag 25-1, a multi-domain test event organized by the U.S. Air Force Test Center, held from February 19-21 at Edwards Air Force Base, California. As part of the test, GA-ASI utilized a government-provided Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) to control the autonomy software, reinforcing the company’s commitment to developing an advanced and adaptable UCAV ecosystem in collaboration with government and industry partners. The MQ-20 Avenger, a jet-powered unmanned aerial system, has been extensively employed by GA-ASI as a test bed for emerging Autonomous Collaborative Platforms.

A key highlight of the demonstration was GA-ASI’s ability to rapidly transition between different autonomy systems midflight using Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) satellites. This included deploying an autonomy product from Shield AI, further demonstrating the flexibility and modularity of the autonomy framework.

Orange Flag 25-1 is part of a broader initiative designed to test and validate cutting-edge aerospace technologies under realistic operational conditions. The government-supplied autonomy software, referred to as the reference autonomy stack, was integrated into the Avenger to perform autonomous flight operations, including air-to-air engagements. The PVI enabled seamless control and monitoring of the autonomy stack, underscoring the interoperability of GA-ASI’s UCAV systems.

The test flights demonstrated that GA-ASI’s UCAVs can swiftly transition between different software architectures, from company-developed systems to government and third-party solutions. This capability allows for rapid updates and continuous capability enhancements, similar to how mobile devices receive software upgrades.

“This demonstration marks a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to operationalize autonomy for UCAVs,” said Michael Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs at GA-ASI. “Flying the government reference autonomy stack at Orange Flag 25-1 and utilizing the government-provided PVI underscores our commitment to delivering robust and adaptable autonomy solutions for the warfighter. We especially appreciate and salute the support we received from the 309th Software Engineering Group.”

The successful flight at Orange Flag 25-1 further validates GA-ASI's dedication to maturing its open standards-based autonomy software ecosystem. By adhering to government-owned and maintained standards, GA-ASI ensures rapid integration of best-of-breed capabilities from third-party providers, enhancing the overall operational effectiveness of UCAV platforms.