According to information from Interestingengineering, in a test at Edwards Air Force Base, California (USA), an F-22 Raptor fighter jet coordinated with the MQ-20 Avenger unmanned aerial vehicle developed by General Atomics. The system operates through autonomous software and secure tactical data links.
During the flight, the F-22 plays the role of a command aircraft. The pilot on board sent direct orders to control the MQ-20 to perform tasks such as changing positions, air patrols and simulating target attacks.
The drone is also capable of processing data from sensors and responding to commands in real time, forming a continuous control loop with the fighter. The operations are performed through an automatic control interface, allowing the manned aircraft to send commands directly to the autonomous system.
According to General Atomics, the test shows the ability to combine human control and automation technology, in which drones can perform complex tactical missions under the supervision of pilots.
This is part of the development strategy of the "Cooperative Combat Aircraft" model, aimed at strengthening the power of new generation fighters. According to this model, the pilot still plays the role of commander, while the autonomous systems take on high-risk or repetitive missions.
The US Air Force expects the combination of manned and unmanned aircraft to help expand reconnaissance capabilities, increase combat effectiveness and improve survivability in complex environments.
