AI System Flies Jet During Historic Test Flight
Why this is here: The AI system switched between two different software programs while in flight—Prism and Hivemind—without requiring a landing, showcasing a new level of adaptability for autonomous aircraft.
Northrop Grumman and Shield AI completed the first autonomous flight of the Talon IQ testbed using third-party software. The companies conducted the test in Mojave, California. The jet performed complex patrol and engagement maneuvers under the command of Shield AI’s Hivemind system.
During the flight, the aircraft switched its digital “brain” to Northrop Grumman’s Prism software mid-flight without landing. This demonstrated the potential for modular, low-cost combat aircraft. The Talon IQ, based on the Scaled Composites 437, proved that open architecture allows integration of different artificial intelligences.
The Hivemind system can make real-time decisions, even in unexpected situations. It can avoid dynamic obstacles and coordinate attacks between drones and piloted aircraft.
Integrating the software took only one day following hardware simulations. This speed was possible because the system follows U.S. Government Reference Architectures.