Airbus, Quantum Systems Test Autonomous Swarm Technology

Airbus and Quantum Systems have conducted tests of autonomous swarm technology as part of the KITU 2 research project, commissioned by the German Armed Forces in July 2023.

This project aimed to harness artificial intelligence to coordinate swarms of drones with varying capabilities, enabling efficient control by a small number of operators, even in dynamic and interference-prone environments.

The team tested seven AI-controlled Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) at the Airbus Drone Center in Manching, Germany, on August 1, 2024. The test showcased the Vector and Scorpion UAS from Quantum Systems and two multi-purpose drones from Airbus, demonstrating their ability to operate in swarm flight and perform missions such as joint reconnaissance and target acquisition under GPS-denied conditions.

The research employed advanced deep reinforcement learning methods to train the AI, allowing it to refine tactics through continuous self-optimization and make more efficient decisions in tactical operations. This increases the resilience of UAS to interference, ensuring autonomous operation even in challenging conditions.

The knowledge gained from this project will support future development programs, including the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The research will also investigate the superiority of AI-controlled behaviors compared to traditional manual control approaches.