The AFSC Software Directorate is helping advance Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities after completing a series of ground and flight tests recently in collaboration with teams from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and Edwards AFB, California. The tests showcased new fighter-ready software named Government Reference Architecture Compute Environment (GRACE) built with a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). GRACE provides the foundational orchestration to easily load and run software to seamlessly integrate manned and autonomous aircraft. The demonstration of this new approach is on the critical path to help the Air Force accelerate MUM-T adoption in the fighter fleet.
“The accomplishment of the Software Directorate engineering team that has taken on this lead integrator role cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Zayd Ma, AFSC/SW Portfolio Manager for Fighters and Advanced Aircraft. “On schedules with zero margin, the team has developed and deployed critical compute infrastructure and software delivery pipelines that will enable rapid third-party software integration.”
GRACE opens a new software paradigm for adopting platforms. GRACE software can easily support rapid updates, much like the apps on a smartphone. This is due to its modular architecture in line with more modern software development best practices yielding shorter development and software integration testing timelines. In addition to ease of development, GRACE deployments are kept separate from the aircraft’s essential flight systems which require strict certification. Finally, GRACE gives adopting platforms a government owned path to update the mission software directly. Whether the updates are received from original manufacturers or third-party developers testing and integration can bypass slow, platform-controlled avionics cycle, which can often take years.
A rapid development cycle is essential for quickly creating, testing, and deploying new capabilities. This is especially true for unproven and untested next gen capability like MUM-T. Hence, the criticality of collaborating with the Test Enterprise on real Assets, with real operators, in a challenging environment. The Software Directorate's team focused on three primary objectives: Rapid GRACE installation and updating, Pilot Vehicle Interface capabilities, and tactical datalink integration. PVI will ultimately enable pilots to interact with autonomous platforms more intuitively through a redesigned tablet-based touchscreen interface. Tactical data links will facilitate the secure and real-time sharing of sensor data and targeting information between manned and unmanned assets. All efforts were completely successful and postures the Air Force to be ready for unmanned teaming as new assets and capabilities come online.
During the test campaign, which occurred in November and December, the team conducted a series of lab integration tests, ground tests, and ultimately flight tests, with each step providing higher fidelity feedback to the development teams. The campaign culminated in successful over-the-air message transmission between airborne manned 5th generation platforms, between airborne platforms, and various ground-based software/hardware test assets to confirm integrated system functionality. Critically, the tests demonstrated the core communication and computation technologies that form the foundational elements required to support future MUM-T capabilities. Future MUM-T will provide USAF operators with several advantages.
For example, real-time data sharing between manned and unmanned assets will increase situational awareness, by providing pilots with a comprehensive understanding of the battlefield. MUM-T will also be able to offer enhanced targeting capabilities, as the integration of advanced sensor technology enabled more accurate and efficient target identification and engagement. In addition, MUM-T reduces the overall risk to pilots, as autonomous platforms minimize the exposure of manned aircraft to potential threats. Finally, the seamless collaboration between manned and unmanned assets can streamline operations, allowing for faster decision-making and more effective execution of missions.
“This successful ground and flight test represents a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to equip our warfighters with cutting-edge MUM-T capabilities,” said Brig. Gen. Jason Voorheis, who was Program Executive Officer for the Fighters and Advanced Aircraft Directorate, Life Cycle Management Center at the time of the test. “The software developed by the dedicated team at Hill AFB is critical for unlocking the full potential of manned-unmanned teaming across the Department of War.” Voorheis now serves as the Department of the Air Force Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.
The Software Directorate personnel at Hill AFB, Utah; Tinker AFB, Oklahoma; and Robins AFB, Georgia, play a vital role in developing and maintaining the software systems that power the Air Force's most critical weapon systems. This latest successful test campaign underscores the directorate's commitment to innovation and its dedication to providing the warfighter with the tools they need to succeed.
“This new capability moves both industry and government software developers closer to direct mission impact and will ensure platforms have the software they need on relevant timelines,” Ma said. “Furthermore, the software stack is portable to other platforms giving the Department of War a government owned baseline to use for significant cost savings across the services.”
The data collected during the test campaign will be analyzed to further refine the software system and prepare it for future operational deployments. The Software Directorate continues to work closely with a broad suite of Air Force stakeholders developing similar software to ensure that the developed solutions meet the evolving needs of an interoperable Air Force.
The Air Force Sustainment Center mission is to forge readiness and accelerate innovation through providing software development and maintenance, programmed depot maintenance for aircraft and engines, and management and operations of the Air Force supply chain.
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 433rd Weapons Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, sits on a flightline.