The current generation of combat aircraft is expensive and the cost of human life is increasing. To address these issues, drones are being used, which are excellent in situations where reconnaissance or ground attack is needed. However, they pose several challenges in coordinated ground attack and support, especially air-to-air combat. Drones are excellent in situations where reconnaissance or ground attack is needed, but their pilots can take greater risks. The concept of "loyal wingman" is a trending buzzword in the world of military aviation.
It aims to have combat-capable drones controlled by an advanced AI with a pilot nearby overseeing and directing their actions to avoid mistakes in judgment and any other issues. This concept was made in 2014 when the Dassault nEUROn stealth drone performed a formation flight with a Rafale fighter and a Falcon 7X business jet. The goal is to test algorithms necessary for autonomous combat performance and the place of the human factor in the mission loop. The concept of "loyal wingman" requires an algorithm for multiple machines performing as a team with a human. Airbus successfully tested a manned-unmanned teaming technology, resulting in a ballet of jet-powered drones in the air over the Baltic Sea.
Hardware approaches include developing unmanned versions of combat jets, such as the MiG-41 and F/A-XX programs. The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is a joint European 6th-generation fighter project designed to capitalize on the nEUROn's research. It is composed of a new manned fighter jet and several "remote carriers", small and medium parasite UAVs, intended for Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR), as well as shielding manned aircraft from enemy fire.
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| U.S. Department of Defense / Wikipedia |
The XQ-58 Valkyrie is a technology demonstrator developed by US aerospace industry newcomer Kratos Defence & Security Solutions. Boeing is developing the Skyborg aircraft, which can reach high-subsonic speeds, have decent maneuverability and stealth characteristics, and carry up to 250 kilograms of ordinance in internal weapon bays. The Skyborg Autonomy Control System was developed and flown on a range of aircraft, and the X-62A VISTA was attached to the program and performed a series of flights becoming the first fully autonomous fighter jet. The UK-led Tempest project was also envisioned with a similar concept in mind. Russian company Kronshtadt revealed a mockup of the Grom, a Valkyrie-like loyal wingman, which could protect Russian fighter jets from anti-aircraft fire and carry ground attack and reconnaissance missions on its own. Japan has announced the development of Combat Support Unmanned Aircraft (CSUAs), which are medium- and large-sized combat drones made for scouting and air-to-air combat.
China is also working on its own "loyal wingmen", but the size and capabilities of those drones remain unknown. Companies and militaries rarely use the term "loyal wingmen" to describe their drones, which are usually called Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs). Most manufacturers refer to their projects as a novel type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Different approaches exist when designing loyal wingmen, such as small disposable drones, large heavy aircraft with ground attack capability, or adapting existing drones to collaborate with manned aircraft. The merger between man and machine is central to the future of military aviation, and the sooner air forces adopt this approach, the greater advantages they will have.