In a first for military aviation, scientists and engineers announced that they will be integrating cutting-edge radar technology into the X-62A test plane, paving the way for new opportunities in autonomy test capabilities. The project aims to further advance the envelope of unmanned flight and autonomous operations in challenging environments.
The X-62A, developed by Northrop Grumman in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, is meant to test and assess new developing technologies that will improve the battle space performance of future aircraft. The new radar system is supposed to provide the aircraft with more situational awareness, enabling the aircraft to operate more safely and effectively in more complicated scenarios.
The addition of this advanced radar technology will allow the X-62A to sense and react to more environmental stimuli, including other aircraft, terrain, and explosive hazards. This is essential for developing autonomous flight systems that can make real-time decisions in response to shifting battlefield conditions.
“With the integration of this next-generation radar, we are taking a significant step forward in the development of the X-62A,” said Dr. Janet Kavandi, vice president of Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Programs and Technology sector. “Our goal is to build a testbed that not only showcases technology concepts but also enhances the U.S. military’s operational capability in different environments.”
The X-62A, also named the “Valkyrie,” is touted as a breakthrough platform for the testing of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in flight. The integration of radar will build upon the plane’s current sensor suite, providing actionable data and expanding its ability to fly semi-autonomously alongside piloted aircraft.
As part of its ongoing integration of autonomous capabilities, the X-62A has already tested various software algorithms that are designed to enable the aircraft to navigate, identify threats, and communicate with other military assets without human intervention. This latest radar upgrade should serve to further hone those capabilities.
Successful testing with the new radar technology can not only transform the operational design of next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) but also increase U.S. combat readiness through more sophisticated and adaptable aircraft capabilities in varied combat situations, according to experts.
The US Air Force has great interest in the result of the X-62A, as the upgrade to autonomy and sensor technology can reverse the air combat environment and affect future war planning. Experience gained from flight testing of the X-62A will likely affect programs to produce greater numbers of autonomous platforms.
The integration process will be carried out through intensive test phases to certify the performance of the radar and its ability to integrate into the X-62A’s existing technologies. Initial flight testing with the new radar will be initiated within a year, contingent on development timelines and technical reviews.
As the X-62A comes of age, one hopes it will serve as a critical proving ground for testing out concepts and technologies that will define future air combat and autonomous flight for generations to come.
Cover photo via USAF. “New Radar Technology to Propel X-62A Test Jet’s Next Leap in Autonomy Testing.”
