Autonomous UAVs: A Look Into the Future Mr. Mike Huggins Chief Engineer Aerospace Systems Directorate Air Force Research Laboratory Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
Autonomous UAVs:
A Look Into the Future
Mr. Mike Huggins
Chief Engineer
Aerospace Systems Directorate
Air Force Research Laboratory
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
Outline
• Aerospace Systems Directorate Overview
• Game Changers - Hypersonics
- Directed Energy Weapons
- Autonomous UAVs
• Other Highlights - Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technologies (LCAAT)
- Recent Successes
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
Space Vehicles
• Space Electronics • Space Environmental
Impacts & Mitigation • Space OE/IR • Space Experiments • Platforms & Operations
Technologies
Materials and
Manufacturing
• Functional Materials & Applications
• Manufacturing & Industrial Technology
• Structural Materials & Applications
• Support for Operations
Sensors
• Advanced Devices & Components
• Layered Sensing Exploitation
• Multi-Int Sensing (RF/EO)
• Spectrum Warfare
• Fuze Technology • Munitions AGN&C • Munitions System
Effects Science • Ordinance Sciences • Terminal Seeker
Sciences
Munitions
Aerospace Systems • Air Vehicles • Control, Power &
Thermal Management • High Speed Systems • Space & Missile
Propulsion • Turbine Engines
Directed Energy
• Directed Energy & EO for Space Superiority
• High Power Electromagnetics
• Laser Systems • Weapons Modeling
and Simulation
Information
• Autonomy, C2, & Decision Support
• Connectivity & Dissemination
• Cyber Science & Technology
• Processing & Exploitation
Human Performance
• Bio-effects • Decision Making • Human Centered ISR • Training
AF Office of
Scientific Research
• Aerospace, Chemical & Material Sciences
• Education & Outreach • Mathematics,
Information, & life sciences
• Physics & Electronics
AFRL Technical Directorates &
Competencies
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
Edwards AFB, CA
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
Established
1917
Established
1947
• Liquid Rocket Engines
• Solid Rocket Motors
• Spacecraft Propulsion
Technologies
• Aerodynamics & Structures
• Hypersonics
• Power & Thermal
• Controls & Autonomy
• Turbine Engines/Novel Propulsion
• Fuels
Technologies
Aerospace Systems Directorate Overview
1799 people
$570M / year (core S&T) (FY17PB includes FY17-FY21)
(OH $484M / CA $85M)
$4.1B in facilities (OH $2.0B / CA $2.1B)
Established 2014
AEDC (RQHX), TN
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
Game Changers
Revolutionary technology to make and keep the fight unfair
Directed Energy − High Power Microwave alternative to kinetic weapons − Lasers with air & ground selectable effects & reduced
collateral damage
Autonomy − Decisions at speed of computing − Self-awareness & troubleshooting intelligence
Hypersonics − Survivable, fast-flying − Defeat deep-layered A2/AD strategies
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
AFRL’s Hypersonic Technology
Development Approach
Stair-step approach builds upon prior successes
Expendable Vehicles Small Engines Cold Structures with TPS Medium Lift/Drag Aero
Reusable Platforms Large Engines Hot/Hybrid Structures Advanced Aero & Controls
Expendable/Reusable Systems Medium Engines Light Weight Warm/Hot Structures High Lift/Drag Aero
Contrasting Air-breathing Engines
Hydrocarbon Scramjet
Turbine Engine
Compressor/ Compression surface
Fuel/engine controls
Combustor Nozzle
Turbine
Ramjet (Mach 2.5 - 6)
Scramjet (Mach 6 - 15)
Incoming air is
supersonic
Exhaust air is
supersonic
Air slows to subsonic speed inside the
engine as it mixes with the fuel and burns
Air flows supersonically inside the engine
as it mixes with the fuel and burns
Incoming air is
supersonic
Exhaust air is
supersonic
Fuel Injection
Fuel Injection
Contrasting Ramjet and Scramjet
Hypersonic S&T Technology Maturation Areas
Propulsion
Materials & Structures
Systems Analysis
Aeromechanics Guidance, Navigation
& Control
Mission Systems
(Ordnance & Sensors)
Power & Thermal Management
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
AF Roadmap: Laser Weapons
Concept: 100 kW-class HEL on
4th and 5th gen aircraft
Entry Level Capability
10s of kW HEL
• Aircraft self-defense: defeat
moderate salvo of SAMs
• A-A missions: Defeat missiles
& aircraft at moderate range
• A-G Missions: Ultra-precise
weapon against moderately
hard targets
• A-A Missions: Defeat IR missiles
• Defeat sensors
• Defeat aircraft beyond visual range
• Defeat hard targets in flight at range
• Hard ground target defeat
Reducing SWaP and Increasing Capability for A2/AD Environment
Key Laser System S&T Disciplines • Target effects
• Acquisition, Tracking, and Pointing
• Beam Control
• Laser sources
• Power & thermal management
• Numerical design & analysis
2018-2021 2025 2029+
Concept: 300 kW-class HEL on 6th
gen aircraft
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
Power & Thermal Technologies
Po
wer
& T
herm
al L
oad
F-15E
F-15C/D
Time Today
~~
F-16
F-35 CTOL, CV
F-22
+ Electronic Attack
(EA) 1000’s
KW
100’s
KW
+ DEW
Gap
Aircraft Power • Electrical power needs continue to grow
- Mission avionics
- DE weapons
Thermal Management • As power grows, so will heat generation
- More effective thermal systems
- Higher temperature electronics
- Less heat through improved efficiency
Turret Aerodynamics • Flow control to mitigate aero-optic
interference around a laser turret
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
Autonomy Overall Roadmap
Autonomy S&T Challenges
• Airman-Machine Teaming for Efficient
Re-coupled, Shared Situational
Awareness
• Coordinated Machines that Execute
Commander’s Intent for Continuous,
Integrated Effects
Operating safely & efficiently
Mission continues thru A2/AD
Optimized platform operations delivering
integrated ISR and weapon effects
Machine-assisted ops compressing the kill chain
Today 2020 2030+
Collision Avoidance
Work-centered PED cell
Unmanned wingman extends effects and reach
Intelligence analytic system fuses INT
data & cues analyst of threats
Executing Airman’s Intent at the Speed of Computing across Domains
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
13
Autonomy
Background
Digital Fly-by-Wire – Outer Loop Trajectory
Integrated Flight and Mission Management
Au
tom
ati
on
System
s Desig
n &
An
alysis
1950s
1990s
1980s
1970s
1960s
2000s
Fly-by-Wire – Inner Loop Stabilization
Fully Powered Control
V&V of Complex and Adaptive
Systems
Air-Launched UAS Operation
UAS Cooperative Control
Auto Ground Collision Avoidance System
Manned-Unmanned
Combat Teaming
Automated Aerial Refueling
Augmented Control
2010s
2020+
Sense & Avoid
Ground-Air-Ground Operations
Mechanical Sys & Hydraulics
Analog Systems
Digital Systems
Software Driven Automation
Automation
Control Power
Stabilization
Vehicle Performance
Mission Performance
Autonomy
Safety, Survivability,
and Efficiency
Complexity & Trust
Adaptive Guidance & Reconfigurable
Control
Dynamic Resource Allocation
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
14
Autonomy
Goals 16
• Automated flight maneuvers
• Ground & air collision
avoidance for manned aircraft
• Airborne sense and avoid for
group 3-5 UAS
Advanced automation
for safe, efficient
operations
Increased capability
for full spectrum
of missions
Unmanned aircraft
as teammates in
complex missions
• Airborne launch and control of
UAS for tactical targeting
• Robust, cooperative ISR
• Ground-air-ground operations
• Automated tanker & receiver
refueling operations
• Control of complex vehicle
configuration and systems
• Dynamic resource allocation
• Manned-unmanned teaming
for combat operations
• Trusted systems
Next Now Future
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
15
Kettering Bug
(Secret 1918 Project)
16
Why are UAVs called Drones
1 - Google Search Definition for “Drone”
2 - Merriam-Webster
A continuous humming sound/monotonous speech1
A [stingerless]2 male bee in a colony of social bees, which
does no work but can fertilize a queen1
A person who does no useful work1 or does hard & dull work2
A remote-controlled pilotless aircraft or missile1
Not very exciting
17
• DJI Phantom Intelligent Flight Modes – Follow-Me
– Course Lock
– Waypoints
– Home Lock
– Point of Interest
• Predator MQ-9 Operation
How UAVs are Controlled Now
Northrup’s “Advanced GCS”
Image from Washington Post, June 20, 2014
18
Changing How We Fly and Fight
Increasing Complexity of UAV Ops
Manned
Platform
Replacement
Manned +
Unmanned
Teaming
Unmanned
Teaming
De
pe
nd
ence
on
au
ton
om
y
Next 5-15 Years Now
0-5 Years
Future 10-25 Years
Cooperative
ISR
Cooperative
Strike
Off-Board
Sensing
Persistent
ISR
Distributed,
Cooperative
SEAD
Air-to-
Ground
Def, Off
Counter-Air
DE Strike
Penetrating
Strike
AirDrop
AirLand
Strategic
Refueling
Tactical
Refueling
Systems of air systems
yield operational agility
19
UAS Airspace Integration
Airborne Sense and Avoid
• Cooperative sensors: TCAS, ADS-B
• Non-cooperative sensors: EO, RADAR
• 2015 62 on-collision flight tests
• SC-228 definition of “well clear” satisfied in every test
• 2017 Firebird-D autonomous demonstration
Terminal Area Operations
• Past work focused on surface operations: ACUGOTA ‘14
• Currently work focuses on terminal airspace
• Integrating with ATC (HMI) is the hard part
Seamless integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems into national, international and combat airspace operations.
USAF working with FAA to transition technology
20
Autonomy
S&T Portfolios
Airspace Integration
Tactical Autonomy
Enhanced Mobility Operations
Trust & Certification
State Awareness & Real-Time Response
Automatic Collision Avoidance Technology
Small UAS Power & Control
Aerospace Control
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
21
Aerospace Control
Future Focus
Maturity
• Adaptive Inner-Loop Flight Control for
Hypersonic Vehicles
– FY17 HIL Demo
• Integrated Adaptive Guidance and
Reconfigurable Control for RLVs
– FY12 FAST Ground Demo
– FY04 Approach & Landing Demo
• Robust Guidance & Energy Management
– Transition to possible future Tactical
Boost Glide
• Adaptive flight control for re-usable
hypersonic aircraft
– Transition to development program (mid
2020’s)
Challenges
• Replicating the adaptability of a human
pilot to overcome unforeseen events
• Testing guidance and control in flight at
hypersonic speeds for low cost
• V&V of adaptive control laws
Foundational Capability
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
22
Automatic Collision Avoidance
Technology Future Focus
• Auto ICAS for manned fighters
– F-16 training capability – FY18
– F-35 operational capability – FY20
• Auto ICAS for unmanned a/c – FY20
• Precision navigation solution for degraded
or denied GPS environment
Maturity
• Transitioned Auto GCAS in 2010
– IOC for Block 40/50s in Fall 2014
– 4 operational saves through May 2016
• Demoed Auto GCAS on Block 15
• Demoed Auto ACAS in 2014
– Cooperative solution for training
– Limited non-cooperative capability
Challenges
• Developing a nuisance-free system
– Developing nuisance criteria
– Developing nuisance-free maneuvers
– Testing system
• Moving from fail safe to fail operational
Foundational Capability
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
23
Airspace Integration
Future Focus
Maturity
• Graduated Multiple Intruder Autonomous
Avoidance ATD (airborne sense and avoid)
– Utilized Calspan Learjet – FY15
• Demoed ground operations from parking to
runway in 2014
– Utilized instrumented car as UAS
– Followed ATC commands
– Navigated airfield
• Vehicle independent sense and avoid demo
in FY17
• UAS terminal airspace operations
• Surface to air and return operations
– Integrates sense and avoid with surface
operations in FY22
Challenges
• Fusing information from disparate sources
with varying uncertainties to provide
actionable situational awareness
• Contingency operations
• Size, weight, and power constraints
• Uncertainty with FAA regulations
Foundational Capability
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
24
Enhanced Mobility Operations
Future Focus
Maturity
• AFRL Refueling demos FY06-11
– Demoed differential GPS for position keeping
– Flew 2 hours in contact position, but no fuel transfer
• NAVAIR UCAS
– Probe/drogue refueling of X-47B in FY15
– Differential GPS w/ vision to capture drogue
• Precision Airdrop FCC FY12-17
– Developed CARP automation replacement for C-130H
• Automated Refueling Operations
– Demonstrate boom refueling for unmanned receiver
– Investigate non-GPS precision navigation techniques
– Develop boom automation systems for Next
Generation Tanker (NGT)
– Design NGT user systems to enable crew reduction
• Precision Airdrop
– Innovative semi-guided solutions
Challenges
• Achieving required system integrity
• Legacy system constraints and integration
• Expensive flight testing of relative
navigation systems
• Unknown performance & operational req’s
Foundational Capability
Arch, Integration, & V&V
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
25
Tactical Autonomy
Future Focus
Maturity
• Demoed automated maneuvers in flight
– Formation, rejoin, loiter, route following,
weapons release – HAVE Raider FY15
• Demoed baseline defensive system
manager in simulation – SPARTACUS FY16
• Established air-to-air teaming baseline
through multi-service ATACM ARPI project
• Demonstrate dynamic route planning, lost link
behaviors, auto engagement, and coordinated
strike in flight – HAVE Raider II FY17
• Integrated on-board defensive and offensive
system management – Tactical Battle Manager
• Manned-unmanned teaming for combat
operations
• Integrated, open, and verifiable vehicle control
systems for on-board tactical aircraft experiments
Challenges
• Dynamic, uncertain adversarial
environment
• Short time scales
• Integration of multidisciplinary
technologies to enable capabilities
• Evaluating effects of integrated
technologies with proper employment
Foundational Capability
Platform Decision Making
Multi-Platform Teaming
Arch, Integration, & V&V
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
26
State Awareness
& Real-Time Response Future Focus
Maturity
• Integrated System Health Management
– Demoed system health management
architecture in RLV HITL – FY14
• Dynamic Resource Allocation
– Demoed model predictive control
concept for vapor compression system
in simulation – FY15
• Dynamic Resource Allocation
– Allocating energy (power, thermal, fuel)
over the mission and across the aircraft
– HITL demo – FY22
• Real-Time Estimation of Ability
– Vehicle operational constraints based
on condition, resources, and demands
– HITL demo – FY20
Challenges
• Lack of interoperability obstructs resource
and information sharing
• Better performance generally comes at the
expense of greater complexity
• Balancing robustness in mission execution
with utilization of vehicle ability
Foundational Capability
Arch, Integration, & V&V
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
27
Small UAS Power & Control
Future Focus
Maturity
• Tactical Off-Board Sensing ATD program
– Demo mothership integration in Nov 2016
– UAS launch and stabilization, EO/IR sensing,
and waypoint-driven control
– FY17-18 studies focused on improved
automation and human-machine interfaces
• Maturity of TOBS automation to reduce
workload and improve operations
• Adaptation of TOBS technologies onto
other host platforms
• Improvements to SUAV’s sensing, comms,
endurance, and on-board processing
Challenges
• Sensing capabilities that meet KPPs for
target identification in a small form factor
• SUAV control integration into existing
operator stations
• Automation to reduce workload from SUAV
operations within context of mothership
systems
Arch, Integration, & V&V
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
28
Trust & Certification
Future Focus
Maturity
• Intelligent Control and Evaluation of Teams
– Flight demo of decentralized control in comm-
limited environment – Nov 2015
• Specification and Analysis of
Requirements (SpeAR) Tool
– Public release of version 2 – April 2016
• Formal Design & Analysis – Formalized Requirements Analysis - FY18
– Formalized Development Process (Requirement/Architecture/Modeling) - FY20
• Run-Time Assurance for Autonomy – Anticipate flight testing in FY20
• Trusted Autonomy – Formalized human-machine interface in FY18
– Verified cooperative control flight demo in FY20
Challenges
• State-space explosion prevents exhaustive
searching and testing
• Unpredictable environments
• Emergent unintended behavior between
systems and other systems/subsystems
• Human-machine system interaction and
communication
Multi-Platform Teaming
Arch, Integration, & V&V
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
29
Facilities and Assets
Flight Test Expertise
Aerospace Vehicles Technology Assessment and Simulation Lab
SUAS Test Assets
Unattended Ground Sensor
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
Autonomy Loyal Wingman
• Loyal Wingman “Bomb Truck UAV” Demo FY20
- Manned aircraft will select and designate targets, command UAV to prosecute
• Commands, target info, & mission parameters sent to UAV
- UAV capabilities include: • Formation flying, loiter, rejoin, mission
excursions, weapon drops • Mission planning for new ground targets • Locate, image, attack, and re-image
(BDA) target • Demonstrate recovery from internal contingencies • Demonstrate reliable inter-vehicle communication
• Loyal Wingman “SEAD UAV” Demo in FY22
• Builds from FY20 to include capability to scout an area and suppress/destroy enemy air defense within that region
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
Automated Intelligent Battle Management In Search of a Smarter Way to Survive
- SPARTACUS -
Technical Ideas
• Synergistic weapons effects • Directed energy weapons • Kinetic weapons • Countermeasure suites
• Artificial intelligence to optimize offensive/defensive capabilities
• Efficient course of action automation
Motivation
• Ensure effectiveness/survivability of air superiority platforms in future highly contested environments
Payoff
• Increased platform survivability
• Increased mission success rates
• Decreased operator reaction time/workload
• Applicable to manned/unmanned systems
• Achieve cost vs. capability balance
Defensive System Manager
• Autonomous/Semi-Autonomous
• Man – Machine Teaming
Intelligent Course of Action (ICOA)
Threat
Kinetic
Directed Energy
Counter-measures
Inputs
Distribution D: DoD & DoD Contractors Only
Maneuver Capability
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
Outline
• Aerospace Systems Directorate Overview
• Game Changers - Hypersonics
- Directed Energy Weapons
- Autonomous UAVs
• Other Highlights - Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technologies (LCAAT)
- Recent Successes
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
33
LCAAT will enable a family of limited function, rapidly produced, low cost, attritable UAVs to augment manned weapon systems to force a cost imposition effect on near peer adversaries
Amplifies Enduring Attributes Of Airpower • Mass • Responsiveness • Range • Flexibility • Asymmetric force • Increased risk tolerance
Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT)
Game-Changing Technology: LCAAT
Challenge/Problem Space • Rising costs of exquisite Air Force aircraft “In the year 2054, the entire defense budget will purchase just one aircraft.” – Norman Augustine • Permissive through A2/AD environments
Current Status • Initial in-house Op’s & mission engagement analysis
underway • Cost and reliability design methods being developed for
limited life aircraft • Vehicle design, and lifecycle cost estimating in work • Manufacturing studies and risk reduction activity underway • Conceptual vehicle design development in work under
contract with industry • A FYDP campaign of experiments to explore LCAA
technologies, innovations and capabilities is being developed
Weapons Truck LCAAT Concept
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
X-51 Reaches Revolutionary
Milestone in Hypersonic Flight
• Mach 5+ in 6 min flight
• Collier Trophy Finalist !!
ADaptive Versatile ENgine Technology
• Core demo achieved highest combination
of compressor and turbine temperatures
Adaptive Compliant
Trailing Edge (ACTE)
• NASA & AFRL partnership
• Cruise drag reduction, fuel burn
savings
• Wing weight reduction through
structural load alleviation
• Noise reduction during approach &
landing
Automated Ground Collision Avoidance (AGCAS)
• AFRL, SMC MILSATCOM, LMCO, Rapid
Capabilities Office, Aerojet Rocketdyne
• Combining: 1) improving ground testing,
2) improving MS&A tools, and 3) in-space
flight demonstration/validation on X-37
Flying modified Hall Thruster
X-37B Experiment
Improving T&E
• Four operational F-16 AGCAS
saves since fielding in Sept 2014
• First save occurred during high
angle strafe (Nov 2014)
• Second save occurred during
high aspect fighter maneuvering
over water (Jan 2015)
• Third save occurred during
terrain masking training in
mountains (Aug 2015)
• Collier Trophy Finalist !!
S&T Accomplishments
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)
QUESTIONS?
REVOLUTIONARY · RELEVANT · RESPONSIVE
Distribution Statement A (88ABW-2016-3639)