Northrop Grumman switches to different AI autonomy systems in flight

US defense contractor Northrop Grumman has succeeded in switching between different AI-based autonomous flight systems during a flight test with a jet test platform without affecting the flight. The switch occurred between its Prism system and those of partner flight autonomy systems from Accelint and Applied Intuition.

For its test flights, Northrop Grumman uses a manned Vanguard 473 jet equipped with Northrop's Talon IQ, an autonomous test system for rapid integration of new autonomous mission capabilities. The system is already equipped with Northrop's Prism autonomy system as the US government's reference architecture for the deployment of autonomous military flight systems.

Switching in flight

During a flight test in mid-April, the Vanguard aircraft took off and initially used Prism. Later in the flight, a switch was made to AI autonomy systems from AI companies Applied Intuition and Accelint.

According to Northrop, the switch between the systems was smooth and without complications. Each system took control of the flight system at the level of individual mission capabilities. Flight operations remained stable and functioned reliably throughout the entire test.

Northrop sees this as confirmation that it is possible to switch between different third-party autonomy systems in real-time during flight operations, thereby adapting flight control to different mission requirements. It is possible to exchange autonomy at the competency level in flight, for example in the areas of navigation, task coordination, and mission execution.

The Talon IQ system, together with the Vanguard 473 test jet, is suitable for developing and testing new AI autonomy systems in a short time. However, the Prism autonomy system remains the basis for flight operations for complex operations. It supports coordination between manned and unmanned systems as well as dynamic route planning and conflict avoidance with other aircraft in real-time.

(olb)