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Home Global Operations

AFSOC Reveals Groundbreaking Drone Network Vision

Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) plans to repurpose MQ-9 Reaper drones to function as 'capital ships', from which smaller drones launch to create a sensor or communications network.

  • Editor Staff
  • September 20, 2023
A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper assigned to the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, takes off from the flightline at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 1, 2021. The 432nd Wing/432nd Expeditionary Wing hosts the global Remotely Piloted Aircraft enterprise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nuñez)
(Photo by Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nunez 432nd Wing Public Affairs)
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Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) plans to repurpose MQ-9 Reaper drones to function as ‘capital ships’, from which smaller drones launch to create a sensor or communications network. Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind shared this vision at AFA’s Air, Space, & Cyber conference, discussing the potential of an extensive drone network under the project named adaptive airborne enterprise (A2E).
  

Key Points: 

  1. AFSOC’s vision is for MQ-9 Reaper drones to act as primary launch platforms for smaller uncrewed aerial systems (UASs) to set up an expansive sensing or communication grid.
  2. The overarching project is called the adaptive airborne enterprise (A2E), aiming to transform MQ-9s from mere intelligence and strike platforms to mobile control hubs.
  3. Currently, controlling multiple drones simultaneously is a challenge due to outdated and inefficient infrastructure, with one MQ-9 requiring over 150 personnel.
  4. Automation could significantly reduce manpower, with some tasks such as automatic takeoff and landing already in place, increasing Reaper on-station time by 35%.
  5. The development and expansion of such distributed networks align with the Pentagon’s larger vision of Joint All Domain Command and Control to connect global sensors and shooters.

 

Source: https://www.airandspaceforces.com/mq-9-reapers-afsoc-smaller-drones/ 

Editor Staff

Editor Staff

The Editor Staff at SOFX comprises a diverse, global team of dedicated staff writers and skilled freelancers. Together, they form the backbone of our reporting and content creation.

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