Leonardo’s M-346 Fighter and Bayraktar KIZILELMA Drone Perform Joint Autonomous Flights

Leonardo M-346 fighter and Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned fighter aircraft (UFA) performed a series of joint autonomous formation flights as part of the K-SWARM programme.

The live trials assessed and validated collaborative and coordinated operations through advanced, next-generation algorithms.

The capabilities demonstrated in the trials represent an essential enabler for future combat air systems, and are a core pillar in the evolution of current generation fighters.

The programme is aimed at designing and developing interoperability between crewed and uncrewed aircraft.

Testing carried out in Turkey

The testing was carried out in May at one of Baykar’s flight and test center in Çorlu, Türkiye. The flight test campaign involved two Leonardo M-346 airplanes - a Leonardo owned M-346 Fighter Attack Variant, with an Italian Air Force’s T-346A acting as chase aircraft - and the Bayraktar KIZILELMA Uncrewed Fighter Aircraft.

Testing activities consisted of a series of missions aimed at assessing latest generation algorithms as well as the relevant tactics and procedures developed by Leonardo at its Avionic, Flight Control Innovation Labs and product capability and concept laboratory, PC2LAB, in Turin, linked with an M-346 Full Mission Simulator in Venegono, Italy.

In parallel, leveraging state-of-the-art software and hardware at Baykar facilities, Baykar integrated advanced smart fleet autonomy capabilities into the CUC-T algorithms. KIZILELMA’s advanced autonomy capabilities greatly simplified the integration process, allowing for seamless implementation and rapid deployment.

An advanced radio frequency data exchange system allowed for the synchronization of all data shared between the M-346 and KIZILELMA platforms, protected by Leonardo GCC Tactical Platform. This proprietary cyber defence platform protects and monitors systems in real time, allowing for effective command and control of the planned flight formations.

M346 fighter assumes full control of KIZILELMA  unmanned attack aircraft

During the flight campaign, following an autonomous taxi and take-off, the KIZILELMA autonomously rejoined the M346 Fighter Attack using Smart Fleet Autonomy algorithms developed by the Baykar’s Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Laboratory, enabling the M346 to subsequently assume full control of the unmanned aircraft.

Using a newly developed fully integrated onboard avionic suite, the M-346 pilots commanded different formations which were autonomously executed by KIZILELMA through a dedicated crewed/uncrewed computing system. Different maneuvers and formations, including position changes, separations and rejoins were successfully tested with the KIZILELMA accurately responding to the M-346 commands.

The data and analysis gathered has been crucial in defining the next steps in the K-SWARM programme, as it moves into more complex operations requiring greater situational awareness and assets working together ‘as one’ towards mission objectives.