GA-ASI and BAE Systems Collaborate

GA-ASI has entered into a collaboration with BAE Systems to demonstrate advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities that can be remotely controlled through a secure and jam-resistant Link 16 network utilizing the MQ-20 Avenger unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The Avenger, a jet-powered platform, serves as a vital test bed for the development of autonomous UAS technologies and the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. This demonstration seeks to expedite the advancement of networked electronic attack capabilities for the U.S. Air Force's Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs).

The demonstration occurred at GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon flight operations facility located in El Mirage, California. This initiative forms part of an ongoing series of technology insertion and autonomous flight activities that are supported by internal research and development funding aimed at validating critical concepts.

“This initiative showcased innovative mission system capabilities and the effectiveness of autonomous payload control on our MQ-20,” stated Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs at GA-ASI. “We are identifying key areas for improvement while sharing investments and mitigating associated risks.”

BAE Systems provided tailored mission technologies that included EW capabilities, a multi-functional processor (MFP), and a Link 16 terminal. The company successfully tested the integrated solution within its System Integration Lab, demonstrating the ability to autonomously identify and jam threats under operator oversight. The command, control, and status of the EW system were enabled through software-based, open-mission-system (OMS) compliant message translations hosted on the MFP. A secure Link 16 networking waveform was employed to disseminate this information.

“We are working closely with General Atomics to demonstrate the maturity of autonomous EW mission systems in alignment with U.S. Air Force objectives,” remarked Scott Bailie, Director of Advanced Electronic Warfare Solutions at BAE Systems. “Our collaboration merges proven EW technology with secure command and control, achieved within a rapid timeline and a compact form factor that is ideally suited for CCAs.”