// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Mission Autonomy
Mission autonomy is the ability of an unmanned system, like a drone or robot, to understand a high-level goal and carry out the entire mission on its own. It can make decisions and adapt to unexpected situations without constant human control.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Mission Autonomy is an advanced capability where an unmanned system (e.g., UAS, UGV, UUV) independently plans, executes, and adapts its actions to achieve high-level mission objectives based on a commander's intent. This involves complex decision-making, dynamic replanning, and situational awareness in contested environments with minimal human intervention.
BACKGROUND
Manned-unmanned teaming, sometimes refered to as Loyal Wingman systems, refer to the collaborative operation of manned and unmanned systems, typically in military or aerospace contexts, to enhance mission effectiveness. It enables human operators to control, coordinate, or supervise autonomous or semi-autonomous platforms, such as drones or robotic systems, to improve situational awareness, reduce risk, and optimize performance in complex environments.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- full autonomy
- task-level autonomy
- end-to-end autonomy
- goal-driven autonomy
- supervisory control
- intent-based operations
USAGE NOTE
This term represents a high degree of independence, distinguishing systems that can manage a whole mission from those that only automate specific tasks like navigation.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Mission Autonomy.
A defense technology company building AI-powered hardware and software for military applications. Their Lattice OS is an autonomous sense-making and command and control platform that integrates data from various assets to enable autonomous mission execution.
Specializes in developing an artificial intelligence pilot called Hivemind, designed to enable aircraft to operate autonomously in denied environments without GPS or communications. Their focus is on enabling swarms of aircraft to execute complex missions collaboratively.
A research and development agency of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for emerging military technologies. DARPA has funded and managed numerous programs focused on mission autonomy, such as the Collaborative Operations in Denied Environment (CODE) program.
The advanced development division of Lockheed Martin. They are developing mission autonomy solutions for next-generation combat aircraft, including manned-unmanned teaming capabilities and autonomous mission planning and execution software.
The advanced research and development unit of Boeing. Phantom Works is the developer of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, an autonomous, attritable aircraft designed to perform as a 'loyal wingman' and conduct independent missions.
A global aerospace and defense company with a long history in autonomous systems, from the RQ-4 Global Hawk surveillance drone to the X-47B, which demonstrated autonomous take-off and landing from an aircraft carrier.
The primary scientific research and development center for the U.S. Air Force. The AFRL spearheads programs like Skyborg, which aims to integrate AI-driven autonomous 'wingman' capabilities into unmanned fighter-like aircraft to enable mission autonomy.
A company specializing in high-performance, low-cost unmanned aerial systems like the XQ-58A Valkyrie. These systems are designed for autonomous and collaborative missions, often as part of a crewed-uncrewed team.
A multinational defense, security, and aerospace company. They develop autonomous mission management systems for air, land, and sea domains, including intelligent software for Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) and collaborative robotic ground vehicles.