IOWA
CITY, Iowa, Sept. 11,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin Corporation
(NYSE: LMT), in conjunction with the University of Iowa's Operator Performance
Laboratory (OPL), completed an artificial intelligence (AI)
demonstration using two piloted L-29 aircraft (acting as surrogates
for uncrewed systems) performing jamming support in a simulated
air-to-ground mission. The successful execution of the electronic
attack task by AI agents shows how autonomous uncrewed aerial
systems can operate in coordination with crewed tactical platforms
in future combat operations, creating a powerful, unified team to
address complex threats.
This project, named Enhanced Collaborative High-Frequency
Orientation System (ECHOS), was sponsored by Lockheed Martin's 21st
Century Security Demonstrations & Prototypes (D&P)
organization. "ECHOS is a terrific example of using artificial
intelligence and UAS to further enable the DOD vision of Joint All
Domain Operations (JADO), providing new capabilities to identify
targets and deliver effects," said Joe
Villani, Lockheed Martin D&P vice president.
The L-29s were flown by experienced OPL pilots, following
instructions from the AI agents in the form of heading, altitude,
and speed cues. Demonstrating how AI can provide data for rapid
decision making and increased mission effectiveness by reducing
pilot workload. The pilots maintained the option to stop following
AI cues if at any point they felt unsafe, or the agent tried to go
outside acceptable operating conditions.
"This was an awesome experience, and the event went smoothly. It
was an exceptional example of industry and academia working
together on a cutting-edge project. We're excited to take this to
the next level," said Tom "Mach" Schnell, OPL founder and
director.
The AI agents were trained using advanced deep multi-agent
reinforcement learning techniques, incentivizing emergent
collaborative tactics. There is minimal reward shaping on these
agents, emphasizing mission completion. Agents were able to learn
these tactics with sparse rewards, ensuring the best possible
tactics for the mission were executed.
This demonstration focused on sim-to-real transfer to train an
AI agent in a simulated environment, fly it on real aircraft and
test the behavior. The tests successfully demonstrated AI agents
can be trusted to deliver high performance and reliable behaviors.
Throughout day one of testing, the agents aligned between the
fighter and target within a very tight tolerance, never allowing
the radar to get a track on the fighter. The team successfully
completed all test cards ahead of schedule in three days of
testing.
By the end of 2023, the Skunk Works and OPL team will test AI in
an end-to-end Suppression and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses
(SEAD/DEAD) mission. Lessons learned will inform follow-on
AI/autonomy development in support of future programs such as the
Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), as well as ongoing
crewed-uncrewed teaming development. This work furthers Lockheed
Martin's 21st Century Security vision to deliver
integrated, mission-focused capabilities with speed and efficiency
to keep our forces and allies ahead of ready.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda,
Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security
and aerospace company that employs approximately 116,000 people
worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design,
development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced
technology systems, products and services.
Please follow @LMNews on X for the latest announcements and
news across the corporation.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics