Aerospace Group:

Advanced / Transformational Technology

Skyborg Program Conducts Another Test of Autonomy System on Different Drone

Frank Wolfe

Thursday, July 1st, 2021

SHARE:

Skyborg Program Conducts Another Test of Autonomy System on Different Drone

A General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger drone returns to El Mirage Airfield, Calif. on June 24 after a flight test of the Skyborg Autonomy Core System during Orange Flag 21-2 at Edwards AFB, Calif. (General Atomics Photo)

The U.S. Air Force's Skyborg program--one of four service Vanguard efforts--conducted a two hour and thirty minute flight test on June 24 of the Skyborg autonomy core system (ACS) aboard a General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger tactical drone during the Orange Flag 21-2 exercise at Edwards AFB, Calif., the Air Force said this week. ACS is to be the collaboration and autonomy-enabling “brain” of Skyborg. The first ACS flight test took place on Apr. 29th aboard a Kratos [KTOS] UTAP-22 Mako…

Congress

Trump Wants Second Reconciliation Bill On His Desk By June 1

President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Congress to pass and send a second reconciliation bill to his desk by June 1. The deadline follows congressional Republicans’ backing a pursuit […]

Space

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]

Congress

Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]