Pilots aboard the light-attack jet took full control of the uncrewed Turkish fighter platform.
Leonardo’s M-346 has completed an initial crewed/uncrewed teaming (C-UCT) demonstration with the Baykar Technologies Kizilelma uncrewed combat air vehicle.
Conducted from Corlu in Turkey last month as part of a joint activity named K-Swarm, the initial series of live sorties involved an M-346FA light-attack aircraft and an uncrewed fighter, with another M-346 trainer operating as a chase aircraft.
“During the flight campaign, following an autonomous taxi and take-off, the Kizilelma autonomously rejoined the M-346FA”, the companies say. “Using a newly developed, fully integrated avionics suite, the M-346 pilots commanded different formations which were autonomously executed,” they add.
The collaboration was enabled by the use of an advanced radio frequency data exchange system and “smart fleet autonomy algorithms”, which allowed the M-346FA’s crew “to assume full control of the uncrewed aircraft”.
“Different manoeuvres, including position changes, separations and rejoins were successfully tested, with the Kizilelma accurately responding to the M-346 commands,” the partners say.
“Kizilelma’s advanced autonomy capabilities greatly simplified the integration process, allowing for seamless implementation and rapid deployment,” they add.
“New tests are planned in the coming months, with increasing complexity and additional functions,” the companies say. That work will comprise “more complex operations requiring greater situational awareness and assets working together ‘as one’ towards mission objectives”, they add.
First details of the planned C-UCT demonstration were outlined by then-Leonardo chief executive Roberto Cingolani in March, describing the M-346FA to serve as a “mother aircraft”.
Leonardo and Baykar are partners in the LBA Systems joint venture, with plans in place for production of the Turkish company’s Kizilelma to also be conducted in Italy.
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