Boeing Validates Software for Future Manned Unmanned Refueling Missions
May 2, 2024 | BoeingEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Boeing has advanced its manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) technology using a digital F/A-18 Super Hornet and MQ-25 Stingray. The testing shows the software is maturing for future U.S. Navy use and a potential to deploy the teaming capability on both F/A-18 Block II and III Super Hornets.
In a simulator lab, a Boeing-led team virtually demonstrated an F/A-18 pilot commanding an unmanned MQ-25 to release a refueling drogue and refuel the Super Hornet, using existing communications links on both platforms.
The new software is a maturation of tests Boeing has previously done. In addition to the upgraded software, test teams pulled in hardware and datalinks already installed on both platforms to run the finalized software further proving Boeing’s readiness to deliver this capability to the Navy.
“MQ-25 is designed to typically receive commands from air vehicle pilots on an aircraft carrier. This software will add a second option, enabling pilots to initiate commands right from their cockpit,” said Alex Ewing, F/A-18 New Product Development lead.
The Boeing-created software will significantly reduce the time it takes for an F/A-18 to communicate with an MQ-25, giving pilots greater flexibility in refueling from longer distances.
“The goal of the demonstrations was to make MUM-T refueling as real as possible,” said Juan Cajigas, director, Advanced MQ-25 program. “Aerial refueling is like a ballet as two airplanes come together. To be able to direct the activities via a single pilot, safely and efficiently, is a major step forward in aerial refueling technology.”
Suggested Items
Keysight Advances Software-Centric Solutions Strategy with Planned Acquisition of Synopsys’ Optical Solutions Group
09/20/2024 | BUSINESS WIREKeysight Technologies, Inc. announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with Synopsys, Inc. to acquire Synopsys’ Optical Solutions Group, a leading developer of optical design and analysis software tools.
Automated Driving: ZF and Infineon Use AI Algorithms to Optimize Software and Control Units for Driving Dynamics
09/17/2024 | InfineonTrucks automatically driving behind one another on the highway, 'platooning', or cars automatically changing lanes: Here vehicle movements have to be calculated and executed precisely and quickly without a human driver. Software and AI algorithms safely control the drive, brakes, front and rear wheel steering and damping systems.
Comtech Launches New Digital Common Ground Modem Product Line for DoD and Coalition Customers
09/13/2024 | BUSINESS WIREComtech, a global technology leader, today announced the launch of the Company’s new Digital Common Ground (“DCG”) portfolio of modems.
TeraHive Launches Intelligent Energy Management Solutions
09/09/2024 | BUSINESS WIRETeraHive, an intelligent energy management solution provider, backed by global leader LITEON Technology, announced today the launch of three smart energy solutions: the TeraHive Energy Suite, Charging Station Management Solution and Enterprise Energy Management.
Altium 365 Apps Now Available in AWS Marketplace for Collaborative, Secure Design of Electronics Hardware
09/04/2024 | AltiumAltium, a global leader in electronics design systems, announced that its Altium 365 cloud platform and its Secure Collaboration application are now both available in AWS Marketplace, a digital catalog with thousands of software listings from independent software vendors that make it easy to find, test, buy, and deploy software that runs on Amazon Web Services (AWS).