Northrop Grumman and Boeing have demonstrated automated manned-unmanned teaming between the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft and the P-8A Poseidon manned maritime patrol aircraft, using artificial intelligence and an open systems architecture to support maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting (ISR&T) and anti-surface warfare missions.
The jointly funded technology demonstration showed the ability of the two systems to collaborate and automate aspects of mission control using an open systems architecture. The companies said the demonstration is intended to support the development of enhanced capabilities for U.S. and international customers.
During the laboratory demonstration, the MQ-4C Triton and P-8A Poseidon exchanged maritime intelligence through a standardised interface designed to support machine-to-machine mission planning and execution between different platforms. Triton used AI algorithms to collect, process and share intelligence data with the P-8A Poseidon in response to a request generated by the Poseidon system.
The standardised interface also allows Triton to collaborate with other U.S. or allied platforms using the same interface. According to the companies, this can reduce operator workload and support faster decision-making while making integration between different platforms quicker and more cost-effective.
The demonstration used the Universal Command and Control Interface, a machine-to-machine collaboration standard based on Open Mission Systems and the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture.
Jane Bishop, Vice President and General Manager of the Global Surveillance division at Northrop Grumman, said the MQ-4C Triton and P-8A Poseidon provide complementary capabilities for the U.S. Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force. She said the demonstration highlighted the flexibility of the systems and the companies’ continued investment in advanced technologies and industry cooperation.
Tory Peterson, Vice President of Boeing’s P-8 Program, said the Triton-Poseidon teaming demonstration provides additional interoperability capabilities for the U.S. and allied operators. He said the approach could allow current and future P-8A operators to expand their mission capabilities through evolutionary enhancements to the aircraft already in service.
