U.K

QinetiQ and partners achieve a milestone with the UK's first Crewed-Uncrewed-Teaming trial, seamlessly integrating crewed aircraft with autonomous drones, advancing air autonomy capability. This successful demonstration showcases the potential for cost-effective enhancement of combat capability through innovative collaboration and technology integration.

In a groundbreaking demonstration of technological advancement, QinetiQ, in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the Royal Navy, and the Air and Space Warfare Centre (ASWC), has achieved a significant milestone in the realm of aviation defense capability. The UK's first-ever Crewed-Uncrewed-Teaming (CUT) trial showcased the seamless integration between crewed aircraft and autonomous jet drones, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of air operations.

The trial, conducted with precision and coordination, unfolded as a QinetiQ jet aircraft took off from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) site at Boscombe Down in Salisbury. Simultaneously, a modified Banshee Jet 80 drone was launched from the MOD Hebrides range, situated off the north-west coast of Scotland. The crewed aircraft, en route from Boscombe to the Hebrides, successfully established control over the Banshee drone, issuing mission assignments and directives.

Equipped with QinetiQ's Airborne Command and Control for Swarm Interoperable Missions (ACCSIOM) technology, the Banshee drone seamlessly communicated with the crewed aircraft using standardized messaging formats, akin to the NATO Link 16 datalink. This technological innovation not only facilitated effective communication but also ensured safety through built-in override systems, thereby guaranteeing the drone's compliance with designated operating parameters.

The success of this trial underscores the potential for integrating crewed and uncrewed systems within the existing combat air fleet, thereby enhancing combat capability in a cost-effective manner. Alan Hart, Managing Director Science & Technology at QinetiQ, emphasized the collaborative nature of the endeavor, highlighting its significance in meeting the evolving needs of frontline operations.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, lauded the achievement as a testament to British engineering expertise and emphasized the strategic importance of crewed-uncrewed teaming in bolstering the Armed Forces' technological prowess. This successful trial, he asserted, exemplifies the synergistic relationship between the MOD and industry in driving innovation and experimentation.

Peter Stockel, Dstl's Chief for Robotic and Autonomous Systems, emphasized the trial's role in de-risking the adoption of autonomous systems, addressing regulatory requirements, and advancing autonomy capabilities. The collaborative effort between MOD, Dstl, QinetiQ, and industry partners underscores a commitment to accelerating research and development for operational advantage through open and agile approaches.

Commodore Steve Bolton, Deputy Director Aviation Programmes & Futures, expressed his satisfaction with the trial's outcomes, noting its alignment with the Royal Navy's aviation transformation initiatives. Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming, he affirmed, holds the potential to expand aviation combat mass and operational advantage at sea, ushering in a new era of strategic capability.

The flight trial, conducted under the UK's Accelerating Air Autonomy Capability Experimentation (A3CE) R&D programme, represents the culmination of extensive planning and development efforts. Through synthetic and flight de-risking trials, assessment, and testing, QinetiQ and Dstl have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing air autonomy capability, setting a precedent for future innovation and collaboration in defense technology.