DefenseTech has an article featuring a profile on a standard aircraft carrier-based mission for the X-45B (now an entirely Navy-controlled project). The mission sounds almost identical to that of any manned naval aircraft, except in this case the bird is completely autonomous.
When the USAF decided to stop funding and supporting the X-45 project (the pilots in charge felt threatened), I feared that our development of UCAVs would remain stillborn until we were eclipsed by a rival military power. Fortunately, the USN has demonstrated the vision and willingness to push American technology forward, ensuring continued air superiority.
For shame, Air Force...
Showing posts with label uavs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label uavs. Show all posts
Monday, August 13, 2007
Thursday, August 9, 2007
On the Frontline
Slashdot points to a roundup of some DARPA technology on display. I've seen the robotic surgeon before, which is designed to extract and treat wounded soldiers in combat environments. Really nothing new among the rest either, just the same small walking robots and hovering recon UAVs from the DARPA website.
I’m looking forward to robotic surgeons designed to repair robotic super-soldiers...
I’m looking forward to robotic surgeons designed to repair robotic super-soldiers...
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Attack of the Drones
The editors of DefenseTech.org are covering the Unmanned Systems Demo sponsored by NAVAIR and AUVSI with a series of articles regarding the current and future states of naval UAVs. Here are the first two:
The Robot Plane Lives - As earlier reported by DefenseTech, the US Navy has selected the Northrop Grumman X-47B as their platform of choice for future unmanned combat air systems development. Notwithstanding the lukewarm announcement by Navy leadership, hopefully the USN will prove not to be as shortsighted as the USAF.
War Shaping Drone Plan - As to be expected, current use of unmanned systems in support of the Global War on Terror by special ops and other forces are affecting the short-term development of UAVs.
The Robot Plane Lives - As earlier reported by DefenseTech, the US Navy has selected the Northrop Grumman X-47B as their platform of choice for future unmanned combat air systems development. Notwithstanding the lukewarm announcement by Navy leadership, hopefully the USN will prove not to be as shortsighted as the USAF.
War Shaping Drone Plan - As to be expected, current use of unmanned systems in support of the Global War on Terror by special ops and other forces are affecting the short-term development of UAVs.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em
Apparently unable to replicate insect flight using ultra-small micro uavs, DARPA is now funding research that seeks to control moths using implanted computer chips. The chips will be implanted in the larva while still in the cocoon, and once the moth has matured, should allow a pilot to control the flight of the creature, beaming back photos and video. These cyber moths will be designed to infiltrate terrorist training camps and other enemy strongholds to gather intelligence without detection.
I suppose they’re building on the success of the remote-controlled pigeon and are seeking to miniaturize the technology.
I suppose they’re building on the success of the remote-controlled pigeon and are seeking to miniaturize the technology.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Boeing Brings the Magic
Major defense contractor Boeing displayed several very impressive advanced technologies at the annual Airlift/Tanker Association convention in Orlando last fall...
Following on the (eventual) success of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, Boeing is currently developing a quad-tiltrotor design--that is, a VTOL aircraft with four rotating turboprop engines that convert from helicopter to airplane mode. The Boeing QuadTiltRotor was recently awarded a contract for the US military's Joint Heavy Airlift study. Replace those turboprops with turbofans and we're getting close to the flying "Hunter-Killer" design from T2...
Perhaps the most impressive technology showcased by Boeing was its work in pulse jet lift thrusters. This system groups together a number of very small, simple & highly efficient pulse jet engines to provide powerful, controllable & fault-tolerant VTOL ability. Boeing claims to have overcome the poor fuel economy issues that have plagued pulse jets since their first principal use in the V-1 rocket. Future applications include the Light Aerial Multi-purpose Vehicle (LAMV) concept, in which a (patented) pulsejet ejector thrust augmentor provides VTOL capability, while traditional jet engines allow for standard flight like an ordinary fixed-wing aircraft. Scale it down a bit, and perhaps we'll all be riding hoverboards someday...
Not shown at the A/TA Convention but prominent on the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems website is the A160 Hummingbird helicopter UAV. The Hummingbird's first test flight was in 2002 and is currently in development under contract with DARPA.
Following on the (eventual) success of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, Boeing is currently developing a quad-tiltrotor design--that is, a VTOL aircraft with four rotating turboprop engines that convert from helicopter to airplane mode. The Boeing QuadTiltRotor was recently awarded a contract for the US military's Joint Heavy Airlift study. Replace those turboprops with turbofans and we're getting close to the flying "Hunter-Killer" design from T2...
Perhaps the most impressive technology showcased by Boeing was its work in pulse jet lift thrusters. This system groups together a number of very small, simple & highly efficient pulse jet engines to provide powerful, controllable & fault-tolerant VTOL ability. Boeing claims to have overcome the poor fuel economy issues that have plagued pulse jets since their first principal use in the V-1 rocket. Future applications include the Light Aerial Multi-purpose Vehicle (LAMV) concept, in which a (patented) pulsejet ejector thrust augmentor provides VTOL capability, while traditional jet engines allow for standard flight like an ordinary fixed-wing aircraft. Scale it down a bit, and perhaps we'll all be riding hoverboards someday...
Not shown at the A/TA Convention but prominent on the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems website is the A160 Hummingbird helicopter UAV. The Hummingbird's first test flight was in 2002 and is currently in development under contract with DARPA.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Human-like Decision Making in Software
For those employees who believe they cannot be replaced with a very small shell script, your days may be numbered.
Compsim LLC, a seemingly small company based outside of Milwaukee, has developed a patented system which they claim can add human-like decision making to software applications, devices or even websites. By using Knowledge Enhanced Electronic Logic (KEEL) Technology to design custom decision processes, Compsim's customers can build expert system software capable of making judgmental decisions.
Like any expert system, KEEL is a knowledge-based system that uses domain-specific information provided by human experts to generate decisions based on various inputs. However, KEEL is different because it allows for graphical development of decision formulas or "policies" in a web (as opposed to tree) structure, and its solutions are fully explainable and auditable. The company's website has a variety of interactive demos, including UAV guidance & collision-avoidance and automatic dispensing of drugs. Compsim forsees numerous applications for KEEL technology, from automotive & medical diagnostics, to industrial automation, to stock market forcasting, to intelligent weapon systems.
The next step for this line of research is to incorporate machine learning into the development of decision policies. Compsim admits that while KEEL systems can be designed to adapt, they are not "true" learning systems in that they are unable to independently integrate new information sources. An expert system that can learn could potentially become an "expert" on anything, and might be a path towards artificial general intelligence.
Compsim LLC, a seemingly small company based outside of Milwaukee, has developed a patented system which they claim can add human-like decision making to software applications, devices or even websites. By using Knowledge Enhanced Electronic Logic (KEEL) Technology to design custom decision processes, Compsim's customers can build expert system software capable of making judgmental decisions.
Like any expert system, KEEL is a knowledge-based system that uses domain-specific information provided by human experts to generate decisions based on various inputs. However, KEEL is different because it allows for graphical development of decision formulas or "policies" in a web (as opposed to tree) structure, and its solutions are fully explainable and auditable. The company's website has a variety of interactive demos, including UAV guidance & collision-avoidance and automatic dispensing of drugs. Compsim forsees numerous applications for KEEL technology, from automotive & medical diagnostics, to industrial automation, to stock market forcasting, to intelligent weapon systems.
The next step for this line of research is to incorporate machine learning into the development of decision policies. Compsim admits that while KEEL systems can be designed to adapt, they are not "true" learning systems in that they are unable to independently integrate new information sources. An expert system that can learn could potentially become an "expert" on anything, and might be a path towards artificial general intelligence.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The Proliferation of UAVs
Once limited to military operations, private companies and domestic governmental agencies are becoming increasingly interesting in surveillance UAVs for non-defense applications.
MTC Technologies, Inc., for example, offers its Airborne Security Monitoring System (ASMS) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations. Already holding a contract to provide "SpyHawk" reconaissance UAVs to the US Marine Corps, MTC is now looking to supply similar systems with autonomous flight operations for the real-time monitoring & inspection of large-scale infrastructure, transportation hubs and other facilities.
MTC Technologies, Inc., for example, offers its Airborne Security Monitoring System (ASMS) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations. Already holding a contract to provide "SpyHawk" reconaissance UAVs to the US Marine Corps, MTC is now looking to supply similar systems with autonomous flight operations for the real-time monitoring & inspection of large-scale infrastructure, transportation hubs and other facilities.
Launching UAVs from Manned Aircraft
Snow Aviation International, Inc. (SAI) recently completed a concept validation of UAV airborne basing on a C-130 cargo aircraft, with the manned vehicle serving as a "mothership" capable of launching and recovering the UAV in flight.
The SAI Quick Reaction UAV Program (pdf, pg. 26) was intended to demonstrate mid-flight controlled launch & recapture of a unmanned surveillance aircraft from a C-130 Hercules. Initial test flights in April 2005 included a successful launch and further flights will try out the complete release, flight & redocking cycle.
The SAI Quick Reaction UAV Program (pdf, pg. 26) was intended to demonstrate mid-flight controlled launch & recapture of a unmanned surveillance aircraft from a C-130 Hercules. Initial test flights in April 2005 included a successful launch and further flights will try out the complete release, flight & redocking cycle.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Unmanned Vehicles Magazine
I stumbled across an interesting UK-based magazine devoted to UAVs and the like. The website in particular has an excellent collection of news items related to unmanned systems of all kinds.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
U.S. Losing Edge on UAVs?
Recent developments suggest other nations might be catching up to the U.S. military in UAV technology.
Last week, reports surfaced that the Dept of Defense will terminate the J-UCAS program (parent of the X-45) as part of a Quadrennial Defense Review plan to modernize the USAF bomber fleet. While the Air Force and Navy will continue to develop their own independent unmanned aircraft programs, this move could be a death blow to a program showing enormous promise. The new bomber could incorporate some of the J-UCAS technology, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of building an unmanned bomber.
Meanwhile, the British just unveiled a stealth drone of their own. Dubbed the "Corax," the unmanned aircraft features a tailess, stealthly airframe and will be used as a platform to develop new command and control systems.
At the same time, the South Koreans have announced plans to develop sophisticated military robots, including "eight-legged autonomous combat vehicles."
So while other militaries forge ahead with unmanned weapons systems, the U.S. cuts its most advanced unclassified UAV program, even though the DOD recently said cancelling the program would erode its unmanned aircraft advantage. Fortunately, South Korea and the UK are friendly nations, but how long will it be until a rival demonstrates the willingness to challenge American air superiority with unmanned fighters of their own? That might be the only developlment likely to cause unmanned systems to replace fighter pilots in their air-to-air combat role.
Latest News: The Air Force Times is reporting that officials are planning a new career field for UAV operators, entirely distinct from traditional aircraft pilots. So instead of forcing traditional pilots to non-voluntarily retrain into UAV operators, this move aims to train pilots to specialize in unmanned systems from the get-go. Perhaps a new breed of leadership grown from the ranks of these UAV specialists will not retain the nostalgic attachment to the 'feel and experience' of traditional aviation, and will enable this technology to progress without prejudice.
Last week, reports surfaced that the Dept of Defense will terminate the J-UCAS program (parent of the X-45) as part of a Quadrennial Defense Review plan to modernize the USAF bomber fleet. While the Air Force and Navy will continue to develop their own independent unmanned aircraft programs, this move could be a death blow to a program showing enormous promise. The new bomber could incorporate some of the J-UCAS technology, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of building an unmanned bomber.
Meanwhile, the British just unveiled a stealth drone of their own. Dubbed the "Corax," the unmanned aircraft features a tailess, stealthly airframe and will be used as a platform to develop new command and control systems.
At the same time, the South Koreans have announced plans to develop sophisticated military robots, including "eight-legged autonomous combat vehicles."
So while other militaries forge ahead with unmanned weapons systems, the U.S. cuts its most advanced unclassified UAV program, even though the DOD recently said cancelling the program would erode its unmanned aircraft advantage. Fortunately, South Korea and the UK are friendly nations, but how long will it be until a rival demonstrates the willingness to challenge American air superiority with unmanned fighters of their own? That might be the only developlment likely to cause unmanned systems to replace fighter pilots in their air-to-air combat role.
Latest News: The Air Force Times is reporting that officials are planning a new career field for UAV operators, entirely distinct from traditional aircraft pilots. So instead of forcing traditional pilots to non-voluntarily retrain into UAV operators, this move aims to train pilots to specialize in unmanned systems from the get-go. Perhaps a new breed of leadership grown from the ranks of these UAV specialists will not retain the nostalgic attachment to the 'feel and experience' of traditional aviation, and will enable this technology to progress without prejudice.
Monday, August 29, 2005
More Details about the UAV COS
Larry pointed out some good info to me about the UAV Common Operating System on the DARPA J-UCAS website.
There is a COS FAQ (which unfortunately seems to be more focused on answering Boeing & Northrop's questions about protecting intellectual property than explaining what COS is!) and a Common Systems & Technology presentation which includes a very interesting section on the COS.
Some items of note from the 15.2MB PPT slideshow:
- The COS is more of a POSIX-compliant middleware than an 'operating system,' as it resides on top of an embedded OS.
- Integrates sensors, weapons, communications & control systems to generate decisions and provide a real-time understanding of the operating environment
- Allows autonomous operations, eliminating need for human operators
- Enables accelerated software development... 'best of breed' algorithms shared between platforms (survival of the fittest?)
- Automatic determination of flight path based on mission parameters and threat environment
- Open architecture, non-proprietary source code can be freely used, copied, modified and redistributed
- Initial development timeframe begins Dec 05 and ends Dec 08, with 4 builds planned using a spiral approach
The most significant COS component, in my opinion, would have to be the Discovery/Mediation functionality...
The discovery component provides a set of services that enables the formulation and execution of search activities to locate data assets (files, databases, directories, web pages, streams) by exploitation metadata descriptions stored in and or generated by Information Technology (IT) repositories (directories, registries, catalogs, etc). This also includes the ability to search for metadata semantics to support mediation.
This mediation component provides a set of services that enable transformation processing (adaptation, aggregation, transformation, and orchestration), situational awareness support (correlation and fusion), negotiation (brokering, trading, and auctioning services), and publishing.
What this sounds like to me is a method for storage and retrieval of shared memory resources (by way of metadata [xml?] and semantic analysis), and using those memories to enable adaptation to dynamic situations. That bears a striking resemblance to the way a conscious being uses personal and communal experiences to deal with real-world environments and react to change in real-time. The more I think about it, the more I see the possibility for something truly intelligent to emerge from this architecture. I'm definitely going to have to keep tabs on this project, and if it ends up being open source (as the presentation claims), taking a look under the hood. Now do you understand why I want to work for these people?
There is a COS FAQ (which unfortunately seems to be more focused on answering Boeing & Northrop's questions about protecting intellectual property than explaining what COS is!) and a Common Systems & Technology presentation which includes a very interesting section on the COS.
Some items of note from the 15.2MB PPT slideshow:
- The COS is more of a POSIX-compliant middleware than an 'operating system,' as it resides on top of an embedded OS.
- Integrates sensors, weapons, communications & control systems to generate decisions and provide a real-time understanding of the operating environment
- Allows autonomous operations, eliminating need for human operators
- Enables accelerated software development... 'best of breed' algorithms shared between platforms (survival of the fittest?)
- Automatic determination of flight path based on mission parameters and threat environment
- Open architecture, non-proprietary source code can be freely used, copied, modified and redistributed
- Initial development timeframe begins Dec 05 and ends Dec 08, with 4 builds planned using a spiral approach
The most significant COS component, in my opinion, would have to be the Discovery/Mediation functionality...
The discovery component provides a set of services that enables the formulation and execution of search activities to locate data assets (files, databases, directories, web pages, streams) by exploitation metadata descriptions stored in and or generated by Information Technology (IT) repositories (directories, registries, catalogs, etc). This also includes the ability to search for metadata semantics to support mediation.
This mediation component provides a set of services that enable transformation processing (adaptation, aggregation, transformation, and orchestration), situational awareness support (correlation and fusion), negotiation (brokering, trading, and auctioning services), and publishing.
What this sounds like to me is a method for storage and retrieval of shared memory resources (by way of metadata [xml?] and semantic analysis), and using those memories to enable adaptation to dynamic situations. That bears a striking resemblance to the way a conscious being uses personal and communal experiences to deal with real-world environments and react to change in real-time. The more I think about it, the more I see the possibility for something truly intelligent to emerge from this architecture. I'm definitely going to have to keep tabs on this project, and if it ends up being open source (as the presentation claims), taking a look under the hood. Now do you understand why I want to work for these people?
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Inside the Mind of a UAV
DARPA is currently developing a common operating system that will serve as the 'brains' for the military's next generation of autonomous systems.
This common platform will allow UAVs to share information and work together more efficiently, and port new advances from platform to platform. Additionally, it will merge inputs from all of the sensor systems to create a single integrated picture of the environment, and interface with the on-board weapons array as well. Could this internal model of the outside world eventually be the seat of consciousness for an intelligent machine? DARPA's own report is not surprisingly vague...
This common platform will allow UAVs to share information and work together more efficiently, and port new advances from platform to platform. Additionally, it will merge inputs from all of the sensor systems to create a single integrated picture of the environment, and interface with the on-board weapons array as well. Could this internal model of the outside world eventually be the seat of consciousness for an intelligent machine? DARPA's own report is not surprisingly vague...
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Highlights from the UAS Roadmap
I've finally had the chance to review the entire Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Roadmap, and picked out some highlights of interest:
Future UAS will evolve from being remotely operated to fully autonomous system capable of 'self-actualization.' This will require human-level intelligence, specifically pattern recognition skills. The roadmap foresees development of enabling technologies in the 2015-2030 timeframe. (page 52)
Advances in flight autonomy and cognitive processes will allow UAS to move away from remote control by skilled operators towards full autonomy. Several stages of these technologies are reviewed, from remotely piloted vehicles in Vietnam, to high-endurance hand-flown reconaissance systems in the 1970s, to pre-programmed autonomous UAS in the 80s, to Global Hawk today and J-UCAS in years to come. (page D-9)
Several advantages of UAS over manned systems in terms of safety are listed on page F-10:
- Many aircraft mishaps are the direct result of poor decisions by human operators. Robotic aircraft are not programmed to take chances.
- Mishaps from failed life support systems are not an issue.
- Smoke from damaged non-vital systems does not affect UAS in the way that smoke in the cockpit of a manned aircraft does.
- Automated take-offs and landings reduce the need for local training missions, leading to less opportunities for mishaps at home stations. An historical look at UAS in combat is provided on page K-1:
- TDR-1 assault drones flown by pilots via television were used to drop bombs on Japanese positions in 1944.
- AQM-34 remotely piloted vehicles were flown on reconnaissance missions in Vietnam from 1964-1969.
- 18 RQ-2 Pioneer UAS were lost in combat in Desert Storm.
- 26 UAS of various types were lost in combat during the war in Kosovo.
- In the current conflicts in Afganistan & Iraq, combat losses of UAS have been reduced to an average of 2 aircraft per year.
Future UAS will evolve from being remotely operated to fully autonomous system capable of 'self-actualization.' This will require human-level intelligence, specifically pattern recognition skills. The roadmap foresees development of enabling technologies in the 2015-2030 timeframe. (page 52)
Advances in flight autonomy and cognitive processes will allow UAS to move away from remote control by skilled operators towards full autonomy. Several stages of these technologies are reviewed, from remotely piloted vehicles in Vietnam, to high-endurance hand-flown reconaissance systems in the 1970s, to pre-programmed autonomous UAS in the 80s, to Global Hawk today and J-UCAS in years to come. (page D-9)
Several advantages of UAS over manned systems in terms of safety are listed on page F-10:
- Many aircraft mishaps are the direct result of poor decisions by human operators. Robotic aircraft are not programmed to take chances.
- Mishaps from failed life support systems are not an issue.
- Smoke from damaged non-vital systems does not affect UAS in the way that smoke in the cockpit of a manned aircraft does.
- Automated take-offs and landings reduce the need for local training missions, leading to less opportunities for mishaps at home stations. An historical look at UAS in combat is provided on page K-1:
- TDR-1 assault drones flown by pilots via television were used to drop bombs on Japanese positions in 1944.
- AQM-34 remotely piloted vehicles were flown on reconnaissance missions in Vietnam from 1964-1969.
- 18 RQ-2 Pioneer UAS were lost in combat in Desert Storm.
- 26 UAS of various types were lost in combat during the war in Kosovo.
- In the current conflicts in Afganistan & Iraq, combat losses of UAS have been reduced to an average of 2 aircraft per year.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Automating the Art of War
The Pentagon has just released the latest Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Roadmap, laying out the development strategy for the next 25 years.
The document is well over 200 pages long, and has plenty of cool pictures. I'm just starting to pour over everything, but here are some of the highlights:
- Name changed from UAV (vehicle) to UAS (system)
- Number one goal is developing unmanned fighters
- 2010: Electronic supression of enemy air defenses (EA-6B)
- 2015: Penetrating deep-strike missions (F-117)
- 2020: Mid-air refueling tankers (KC-10 & KC-135)
- 2025: Air-to-air combat (F-15)
- 2030: Airlift (C-17 & C-130)
- 2030: Air superiority (F-22)
- Roadmap includes detailed specs on current & near future UAVs
I'll post more when I get a chance to dig into this thing further. Addtional coverage is available at DefenseNews.com.
Now if only the DoD took a fraction of the money spent on the F-22 Raptor and F-35 JSF programs and put it towards UAVs...
The document is well over 200 pages long, and has plenty of cool pictures. I'm just starting to pour over everything, but here are some of the highlights:
- Name changed from UAV (vehicle) to UAS (system)
- Number one goal is developing unmanned fighters
- 2010: Electronic supression of enemy air defenses (EA-6B)
- 2015: Penetrating deep-strike missions (F-117)
- 2020: Mid-air refueling tankers (KC-10 & KC-135)
- 2025: Air-to-air combat (F-15)
- 2030: Airlift (C-17 & C-130)
- 2030: Air superiority (F-22)
- Roadmap includes detailed specs on current & near future UAVs
I'll post more when I get a chance to dig into this thing further. Addtional coverage is available at DefenseNews.com.
Now if only the DoD took a fraction of the money spent on the F-22 Raptor and F-35 JSF programs and put it towards UAVs...
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
"Your mama was a snowblower"
I just got back from seeing Stealth, the newly released motion picture about an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle that goes haywire and turns on its allies, and I have to say that it was much better than I thought it would be.
I was anticipating a horrendous bag of shite, but the movie was surprisingly tolerable. The special effects were fun, the story was somewhat believable, and the AI themes were adequate. The story explored our resistance to recognizing intelligent behavior by a robot. our reluctance to trust an artificial entity, and our fear of losing control of or being replaced by a sentient machine. In my opinion, the biggest shortcoming of the film was the sophomoric reliance on a lighting strike to instigate consciousness in the agent. Sound familiar?
Hopefully, with enough R&D money and brilliant engineers we will see the deployment of advanced intelligent systems like these in the near future.
I was anticipating a horrendous bag of shite, but the movie was surprisingly tolerable. The special effects were fun, the story was somewhat believable, and the AI themes were adequate. The story explored our resistance to recognizing intelligent behavior by a robot. our reluctance to trust an artificial entity, and our fear of losing control of or being replaced by a sentient machine. In my opinion, the biggest shortcoming of the film was the sophomoric reliance on a lighting strike to instigate consciousness in the agent. Sound familiar?
Hopefully, with enough R&D money and brilliant engineers we will see the deployment of advanced intelligent systems like these in the near future.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Fighters without Fighter Pilots
Popular Science has an in-depth article about the possible future of air combat.
It discusses the development of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (including the X-45 Stingray), their roles in future conflict, and some of the internal politics related to the project.
It discusses the development of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (including the X-45 Stingray), their roles in future conflict, and some of the internal politics related to the project.
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