:

Advanced / Transformational Technology

AFRL Conducts First Flight Test of Skyborg Autonomy Core System

Frank Wolfe

Wednesday, May 5th, 2021

SHARE:

AFRL Conducts First Flight Test of Skyborg Autonomy Core System

The Skyborg autonomy core system launches aboard a Kratos UTAP-22 tactical unmanned aerial vehicle at Tyndall AFB, Fla. on April 29 (U.S. Air Force Photo)

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) conducted a first flight test on Apr. 29th of what is to be the collaboration and autonomy-enabling "brain" of Skyborg--the autonomy core system (ACS)--aboard a Kratos [KTOS] UTAP-22 Mako drone, AFRL said on May 5th. The flight from Tyndall AFB, Fla. lasted two hours and 10 minutes during which the ACS "performed a series of foundational behaviors necessary to characterize safe system operation," AFRL said in a statement. "The ACS demonstrated basic aviation capabilities…

Congress

Trump Urges Senate To Move ‘Immediately’ On $350 Billion Defense Reconciliation Bill In Lame Duck

President Trump on Thursday urged Senate leadership to move “IMMEDIATELY” on a reconciliation bill that would include $350 billion for defense. The call arrives as Republicans navigate a lame duck […]

Congress

House Republicans Block Measure To Impeach Hegseth

House Republicans on Tuesday evening voted to block an attempt to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In a 211-204 vote, the House moved to refer Rep. Thomas Massie’s (R-Ky.) articles […]

Congress

Top House Defense Appropriator Calvert Officially Wins Reelection Bid

Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), House Republicans’ top defense appropriator, has officially won his reelection bid. Calvert was running for a redistricted seat against fellow House Republican Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.), […]

Congress

No Path To Defense Reconciliation, Including GOP’s $350 Billion, Coons Says

Top Senate Democrats threw cold water on any GOP plans for a $350 billion fiscal 2027 reconciliation bill, or any defense reconciliation bill, before a new Congress is sworn in […]