Lockheed Martin Skunk Works successfully completed a live demonstration of artificial intelligence driven mission contingency management (AI/MCM) on a Stalker XE Block 25 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and a Alta X 2.0 drone Drone Amplified modified.
The test simulated multiple variations of fuel contingencies. The ground command-and-control system’s AI analyzed the situation, generated re-plan options and displayed them to an operator. The operator then selected a preferred option, and the AI automatically re-assigned the Stalker’s mission tasks to the Alta X and commanded the Stalker to return to base.
“This demonstration proves AI can move from the lab to the battlefield, delivering a multitude of capabilities ranging from autonomous decision-making to rapid data flow between unmanned vehicles across air, ground and synthetic environments,” OJ Sanchez, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works vice president and general manager, said. “By fusing AI‑enabled UAV replanning with UGV capabilities, we give warfighters the safety, speed and confidence they need to act first in contested environments.”
The demonstration also leveraged Lockheed Martin’s STAR.SDK solution that enables different AI systems to work together seamlessly. It was used to connect the contingency application to a user interface, enabling operators to interact with the chat assistant providing re-tasking options.