AI-Driven Aerial Target: Shield AI and US Navy Collaborate on Advanced Autonomous Pilot System

In a significant leap toward the future of naval aviation, Shield AI, a California-based defense technology company, has partnered with the US Navy to demonstrate an artificial intelligence-enabled pilot system using the Kratos BQM-177A subsonic aerial target. This collaboration aims to enhance autonomous systems that could play a pivotal role in future unmanned operations.

The BQM-177A, a subsonic aerial target designed primarily for the US Navy's anti-ship missile defense systems, was chosen for this trial due to its relatively low unit cost and flight hour expense. This made it an ideal candidate for rapid testing and development of Shield AI's proprietary software, "Hivemind." This AI-driven system is designed to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a high degree of autonomy, potentially reducing the need for human intervention in complex or dangerous scenarios.

During the trial, data was collected from both simulation-based and real-world tests. The focus was on creating a "comprehensive and continuous feedback loop" that would help fine-tune the AI systems. This feedback loop is crucial in ensuring that the AI can make decisions that are not only accurate but also adaptable to changing conditions in real-time, a necessity for any operational deployment in future naval aviation.

The BQM-177A itself is a versatile platform, capable of simulating various threats to naval forces. It can replicate anti-ship cruise missiles and other potential dangers, making it an invaluable tool for training and development. The recent test, facilitated under a contract awarded to Shield AI in March, was conducted in partnership with the US Navy's Strike Planning and Execution program (PMA-281) and Aerial Targets program (PMA-208). The success of this test lays the groundwork for further trials and developments.

The trial's success is seen as a foundational step in integrating AI into naval aviation. Capt. Jerick Black, Program Manager for PMA-281, emphasized that this effort not only validates the current technology but also offers a scalable solution that could benefit the entire naval aviation community. The initiative ensures that the US Navy remains at the forefront of technological innovation, especially in developing autonomous systems that could redefine the future of warfare.

Looking ahead, another technical demonstration is scheduled for late 2025, which is expected to further advance the AI piloting concept. This upcoming trial will likely build on the insights gained from the recent BQM-177A test, pushing the boundaries of what autonomous systems can achieve in a military context.

Shield AI's work with the BQM-177A is part of a broader portfolio of autonomy projects with the US Department of Defense. The company recently demonstrated its Hivemind software on two Kratos MQM-178 Firejet aircraft, showcasing the system's ability to operate multiple UAVs autonomously. Additionally, Shield AI secured a $198.1 million contract to supply V-BAT vertical takeoff and landing systems to the US Coast Guard, highlighting the versatility and growing demand for their AI-driven solutions.

In another significant development, Shield AI teamed up with the US Air Force to test the swarming capability of three V-BATs in a wildfire surveillance scenario, further demonstrating the potential of AI in managing complex tasks. The company also revealed a collaboration with Kratos to integrate their AI pilot with the XQ-58 Valkyrie, an unmanned aerial system designed for combat scenarios, intended for use by US and allied forces.

These developments underscore the growing importance of AI in modern military operations. As Shield AI continues to refine its technology, the possibilities for AI-driven unmanned systems in naval and aerial warfare seem almost limitless. The recent tests with the BQM-177A are just the beginning of what could be a revolutionary shift in how the military approaches aerial combat and surveillance.