The U.S. Air Force has traditionally relied on human pilots engaging in simulated dogfights to hone aerial combat skills. However, the advent of drones and autonomous systems necessitates a new approach.
The MQ-20 Avenger, a high-speed, long-endurance drone capable of carrying a substantial weapons load, offers a potential solution. Originally conceived as a developmental platform, the Avenger’s combat-oriented design and impressive performance characteristics make it a suitable candidate for evolving aerial warfare tactics and training methodologies.
While traditionally controlled by ground stations, the MQ-20 Avenger drone is about to leap autonomy. General Atomics just secured a $98 million contract to develop “autonomous air-to-air capability” for the Avenger. This project, named Red 5 and led by the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC), aims to transform the Avenger into a realistic training adversary for human pilots.
Two company-owned Avengers will be outfitted with advanced sensors, data links, and mission systems to achieve this goal. These autonomous drones will act as challenging “red air” opponents, significantly enhancing the training experience for “blue force” pilots.
While specific details remain under wraps, General Atomics is actively pursuing similar advancements for other drones, including the XQ-67A developed with the Air Force Research Laboratory.
