General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been selected as the Lead Systems Integrator for Project Red 5, a U.S. Department of Defense initiative aimed at developing advanced autonomous air-to-air capabilities. The $98 million contract will see GA-ASI utilize two MQ-20 Avenger unmanned aircraft systems to prototype full-profile autonomous air-to-air missions.
Photo: General Atomics
The goal of Project Red 5 is to create realistic and challenging training scenarios for pilots of fourth and fifth-generation fighter aircraft by developing autonomous “red air” surrogate platforms.
GA-ASI will equip the MQ-20 Avengers with cutting-edge sensors, data links, and mission systems to enable complex air-to-air maneuvers.
The MQ-20 Avenger has a proven track record in supporting the development of autonomous flight systems. In June 2021, the aircraft was used to test the Skyborg autonomy core system (ACS) during the Orange Flag 21-2 Large Force Test Event at Edwards AFB, California. This experience underscores GA-ASI’s expertise in integrating and operating autonomous systems on unmanned platforms. This contract builds upon GA-ASI’s extensive experience in unmanned aircraft systems and autonomy, including its work on the XQ-67A and the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.
“We are thrilled to partner with TRMC to bring these capabilities that create operationally relevant Red Air surrogates and significantly improve Blue Force mission success in realistic air-to-air training scenarios,” said Jeff Hettick, GA-ASI vice president for Agile Mission Systems.
Project Red 5 is expected to significantly enhance the training capabilities of the U.S. military and its allies by providing a more realistic and challenging adversary for aircrews to engage.
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