F-16V – The Most Technologically Advanced 4th Generation Fighter in the World. The Lockheed Martin F-16V configuration provides relevant combat capabilities in a scalable and affordable package. The core of the F-16V configuration is an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a modern commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)-based avionics subsystem, a large-format, high-resolution display; and a high-volume, high-speed data bus. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

Palmdale, Calif., USA - April 10, 2017

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Skunk Works®, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and Calspan Corporation successfully demonstrated manned/unmanned teaming to improve combat efficiency and effectiveness for the warfighter.

F-16 Fighting Falcon The combat-proven F-16 has proven itself as the world’s most capable 4th Generation multi-role fighter, serving as the workhorse of the fighter fleet for 28 customers around the world. The F-16V, the latest F-16 configuration, includes numerous enhancements designed to keep the F-16 at the forefront of international security. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

"This demonstration is an important milestone in AFRL's maturation of technologies needed to integrate manned and unmanned aircraft in a strike package," said Capt. Andrew Petry, AFRL autonomous flight operations engineer.
"We've not only shown how an Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle can perform its mission when things go as planned, but also how it will react and adapt to unforeseen obstacles along the way."

Lockheed Martin leverages its F-16 experience to increase the commonality and interoperability of F-16 fleets around the world. International F-16 upgrade programs combine the requirements of many customers for long-term cost savings through commonality and interoperability. F-16 avionics upgrades can be integrated quickly, affordably and effectively by leveraging on-going Foreign Military Sales (FMS) investments in F-16 modernization. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

During the flight demonstration, an experimental F-16 aircraft acted as a surrogate Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) autonomously reacting to a dynamic threat environment during an air-to-ground strike mission.

Sniper ATP Superior Targeting Capability What is Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP)? A targeting pod that provides superior air-to-ground and air-to-air targeting capability. A targeting pod more reliable and sustainable than any other in the field. A targeting pod that’s continuously upgraded with the most advanced technology. A targeting pod trusted by customers worldwide. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

The demonstration success included three key objectives:

• The ability to autonomously plan and execute air-to-ground strike missions based on mission priorities and available assets

• The ability to dynamically react to a changing threat environment during an air-to-ground strike mission while automatically managing contingencies for capability failures, route deviations, and loss of communication

• A fully compliant USAF Open Mission Systems (OMS) software integration environment allowing rapid integration of software components developed by multiple providers

Sniper ATP on an F-16 Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

The two-week demonstration at the Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California, is the second in a series of manned/unmanned teaming exercises to prove enabling technologies.

Sniper ATP on an F-16s Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

"The Have Raider II demonstration team pushed the boundaries of autonomous technology and put a fully combat-capable F-16 in increasingly complex situations to test the system's ability to adapt to a rapidly changing operational environment," said Shawn Whitcomb, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Loyal Wingman program manager.
"This is a critical step to enabling future Loyal Wingman technology development and operational transition programs."

Sniper ATP on an F-16 Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

The first demonstration, Have Raider I, focused on advanced vehicle control.

The experimental F-16 autonomously flew in formation with a lead aircraft and conducted a ground-attack mission, then automatically rejoined the lead aircraft after the mission was completed.
These capabilities were linked with Lockheed Martin automatic collision avoidance systems to ensure safe, coordinated teaming between the F-16 and surrogate UCAV.

Sniper ATP on an F-16 Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

Effective manned/unmanned teaming reduces the high cognitive workload, allowing the warfighter to focus on creative and complex planning and management.

Autonomous systems also have the ability to access hazardous mission environments, react more quickly, and provide persistent capabilities without fatigue.

Sniper ATP Infographic – What’s Next. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

"The OMS architecture used in Have Raider II made it possible to rapidly insert new software components into the system," said Michael Coy, AFRL computer engineer.
"OMS will allow the Air Force maximum flexibility in the development and fielding of cutting edge autonomous capabilities."

Sniper ATP Infographic – 1,000th Delivery. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

Skunk Works' expertise in OMS, battle management and manned/unmanned teaming enable integrated and collaborative operations between manned and unmanned aircraft to project power in the face of an increased anti-access and area denial environment.


About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.


SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company

http://news.lockheedmartin.com/news-releases  



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