Autonomous multitasking flights are revolutionizing aviation.
On August 21, 2024, a landmark event in the history of aviation took place, carried out by Shield AI, a California-based company that has redefined the possibilities of aerial autonomy. This article delves into the details of this progress and explores the implications, the technologies involved and future prospects.
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MQM-178 Firejet’s feat
Recognized for its innovations in artificial intelligence, Shield AI has taken a giant step forward with the first autonomous test flight of two Kratos MQM-178 Firejets. These tests not only demonstrated the effectiveness of the AI pilots developed by Shield, but also highlighted the complexity and precision of the maneuvers that these aircraft perform without a human pilot.
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The technology behind the success
The autonomous agents, powered by Shield AI’s ‘Hivemind’ program, performed coordinated maneuvers that demonstrate operationally relevant cooperative behavior. This feat was made possible thanks to the perfect integration of all calculations performed on board and flawless communication between agents in flight.
Massive deployment of intelligent drones by the US and its allies
According to Brandon Tseng, president and co-founder of Shield AI, AI pilots will represent the future of unmanned systems, envisioning a massive deployment of intelligent drones by the US and its allies in the next decade. The company plans to expand this technology to an unlimited number of devices, surpassing the current limitations set for budgetary reasons and test goals.
Past progress and future of Shield AI
This is not the first time that Shield AI has implemented AI-powered flights. Before the Firejets, Hivemind AI had already been tested on other types of aircraft, including quadcopters and F-16 fighter jets in full autonomous training. The company also plans to integrate this technology into the XQ-58 Valkyrie in collaboration with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions.
MQM-178 Firejet in detail
The MQM-178 Firejet is designed for a variety of missions, including training for air-to-air and surface-to-air engagements. This target aircraft system can also be configured as an offensive/defensive tactical UAS system, providing a fast, maneuverable, low-visibility solution for simulating threats or for operations where no human risk is acceptable.
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This article explores Shield AI’s latest achievement, marking significant advances in autonomous aviation with the flights of MQM-178 Firejets. The success of these tests not only paves the way for wider military and civilian applications, but also highlights the enormous potential of AI in the control of unmanned aerial vehicles. This progress could redefine military force structures and operational capabilities for years to come.
Source: Shield AI