The YFQ-44A switched from Shield AI's Hivemind to Anduril's Lattice midair, highlighting rapid software integration under the CCA program.
The US Air Force has moved a step closer to treating combat drone software like a swappable app.In a recent test flight, Anduril Industries demonstrated that its YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft can switch between two separate mission autonomy systems while airborne.
The aircraft completed evaluations with one software stack, then transitioned to another without landing, underscoring the service’s push for modular, plug-and-play autonomy under its Collaborative Combat Aircraft, or CCA, program.Col. Timothy Helfrich, portfolio acquisition executive for fighters and advanced aircraft, described the event during a panel discussion at the Air & Space Forces Association’s Warfare Symposium.“What we did was we took we flew one mission autonomy Shield AI, and then in the same flight, without landing, we went and pivoted to a second mission autonomy, same flight,” Helfrich said.Anduril later confirmed that the second autonomy system was its own Lattice for Mission Autonomy software. The Air Force does not currently consider Lattice for Increment 1 of the CCA program.According to Anduril, the aircraft executed a structured test plan for both systems.“The aircraft took off and autonomously approached a designated point where Shield AI’s mission autonomy software stack, Hivemind, was activated to complete a series of test cards,” the company said in a release.After completing those evaluations, the aircraft transitioned to Anduril’s software.“Following completion of Hivemind tests, Anduril was able to seamlessly switch to Anduril’s Lattice for Mission Autonomy stack to complete the same test points, before returning safely to land.”The demonstration showed that the aircraft can host different mission software stacks without altering core flight systems.Mission versus flight autonomyMission autonomy software governs how a CCA drone performs complex tasks after receiving high-level direction from a human pilot. It handles tactical execution in combat scenarios.Lt. Col. Matthew Jensen, commander of the Experimental Operations Unit, explained the distinction during the panel.It is “essentially the pilot in the seat,” Jensen said, describing mission autonomy as responsible for executing the assigned task.Flight autonomy differs from mission autonomy. Flight software manages basic aircraft operations and ensures safety and airworthiness. The Air Force separates these layers through its Autonomy-Government Reference Architecture, or GRA.The GRA establishes a common framework that allows contractors to integrate different mission software packages with various aircraft. The approach aims to accelerate updates without compromising safety certifications.“The autonomy GRA has proven out that we’re able to make changes very quickly. … So we’re demonstrating through the architectures that we can make these changes,” Helfrich said.He added that the program’s structure supports continuous improvement.“We’re setting up the structure of the program to be able to respond and integrate with the operator every single day. And so what you get on day one, that’s just the first step. You’re going to keep getting better and better.”Building toward 2026The CCA effort already logged another mission autonomy milestone this month. General Atomics announced Feb. 12 that its YFQ-42A flew with Collins Aerospace’s Sidekick software.Anduril’s midflight switch goes a step further. It highlights the Air Force’s goal of treating mission autonomy like an app layer. Developers can update or replace it without redesigning the aircraft.The Air Force plans to make a production decision on both the aircraft and mission autonomy software for Increment 1 in 2026.That choice will shape how quickly the service fields autonomous wingmen to operate alongside crewed fighters.
CCA Program Collaborative Combat Aircraft Hivemind Shield AI US Air Force YFQ-44A
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US Air Force drone swaps AI software midflight in successful mission autonomy testThe YFQ-44A switched from Shield AI's Hivemind to Anduril's Lattice midair, highlighting rapid software integration under the CCA program.
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