New Atlas

Aircraft Audio available

DARPA wants to automate aerial dogfighting with AI wingman

David Szondy May 13, 2019

DARPA has launched an initiative to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) that can engage in dogfighting aerial combat. Despite its Terminator-like description, the goal is to produce an AI wingman that human pilots can trust to watch their backs while they handle command decisions.

ACE aims to increase warfighter trust in autonomous combat technology by using human-machine collaborative dogfighting as ...

Space

Rocket Lab delivers experimental satellite to orbit for DARPA

Nick Lavars March 28, 2019

In another feather in the cap for the New Zealand-based startup, Rocket Lab has successfully pulled off its first launch for DARPA, delivering an experimental satellite into orbit that the agency hopes will open up new possibilities around radio communication.

Electron lifts off with DARPA's payload in tow

Space Audio available

DARPA turns to space startup Rocket Lab for experimental satellite launch

Nick Lavars January 22, 2019

It hasn’t been an entirely smooth sailing so far for Rocket Lab, but the New Zealand-based startup is starting to turn some important heads in the space scene. The company has today announced its next launch will be used to lift a satellite into orbit for DARPA.

Rocket Lab plans to produce one of its Electron rockets every week

Aircraft Audio available

Autonomous Sikorsky helicopter makes piloting optional

Nick Lavars November 1, 2018

Describing a helicopter as "optionally piloted" might not do much to comfort those onboard, but this is the future DARPA is aiming for with its Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS).

DARPA and Sikorsky have been testing out the Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System over the past ...

Robotics

DARPA's tiny robots to have a big impact on disaster relief

David Szondy July 19, 2018

DARPA has instituted a new program to advance the technologies needed to build micro-robots on the millimeter to centimeter scales. The aim is to produce new systems that would allow such microbots to enter and search the holes and crevices left by natural and manmade disasters.

The SHRIMP program seeks to advance the development of multi-functional mm-to-cm scale robotics platforms

Drones

Quicker, lighter, and even smarter – Fast Lightweight Autonomy program completes Phase 2 flight tests

Matt Kennedy July 19, 2018

DARPA’s Fast Lightweight Autonomy (FLA) program has successfully wound up its Phase 2 flight tests, putting its drones and algorithms to the test in three primary scenarios – all without human assistance or control.

A DARPA FLA UAV negotiates an indoor course at high speed

Military

DARPA demonstrates 6 new technologies behind the agile combat vehicles of tomorrow

Loz Blain June 25, 2018

In an effort to move away from today's giant, heavy battle tanks, DARPA's GXV-T program has been investigating new technologies for fast, agile and smart ground transport. Here are six of the fascinating ideas that were demonstrated last month at Aberdeen Test Center outside Baltimore, Maryland.

The GXV-T program aims to move away from heavy armored vehicles in a quest for battlefield ...

Space

First Phantom Express spaceplane engine completed

David Szondy June 5, 2018

The first test engine that will power DARPA's next generation spaceplane has completed assembly. The updated AR-22 rocket engine for the Phantom Express project was completed by Aerojet Rocketdyne for use in ground tests to demonstrate its performance capabilities and fast turnaround design.

Aerojet Rocketdyne has completed assembly of its first AR-22 rocket engine, shown at its facility located ...

Military

DARPA looks to slow biological time to save lives on the battlefield

Nick Lavars March 4, 2018

DARPA is kicking off a new research program aiming to explore how molecular biology could be used to slow the speed of living systems, thereby extending the window for treatment after a traumatic injury and increasing the wounded's chances of survival.

DARPA hopes to reduces casualties on the battlefield by interfering with the body's molecular processes

Military

DARPA hands autonomous sub-hunter prototype over to the US Navy

David Szondy February 4, 2018

Following a series of successful sea trials, DARPA has handed its experimental autonomous warship over to the US Navy. The ACTUV "Sea Hunter" was formally transferred to the Office of Naval Research for further development of what could be the first of a new class of unmanned ocean-going ships.

Following the successful completion of its Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV) program, DARPA ...