The test involved GA-ASI’s MQ-20 Avenger unmanned jet and an F-22 Raptor equipped with the latest government reference autonomy software. It leveraged onboard autonomy and a tactical data link to enable coordination between the two platforms.
The mission included a live engagement between the MQ-20 and the F-22, which served as the command aircraft flown by a human pilot. The event demonstrated the system’s ability to receive and execute teaming commands during operational scenarios.
GA-ASI President David R. Alexander said, “We appreciate the flawless execution of this mission using the government’s advanced autonomous systems.” He added, “This demo featured the integration of mission elements and the ability of autonomy to utilize onboard sensors to make independent decisions and execute commands from the F-22.”
According to the company, the demonstration highlighted rapid software integration between the MQ-20 and the F-22, as well as the use of a tactical data link for communication and coordination. The MQ-20 successfully exchanged messages with the F-22, which in turn transmitted autonomy commands through the Autonodyne Bashi Pilot Vehicle Interface directing the unmanned aircraft’s actions.
The F-22 was able to instruct the MQ-20 to carry out tactical maneuvers, adjust waypoints, and perform Combat Air Patrol and airborne threat engagement tasks. The exercise demonstrated the aircraft’s capacity to execute these commands under autonomy while maintaining coordinated operations.
The event underscored the potential of collaborative combat aircraft to act as force multipliers for manned platforms. It showed how autonomous systems and human pilots can operate together in coordinated missions.
GA-ASI’s MQ-20 Avenger has served as a surrogate collaborative combat aircraft for more than five years. This role has continued both before and after the introduction of GA-ASI’s purpose-built XQ-67A and YFQ-42A aircraft.
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