Unmanned systems of all classes are already widespread and are helping various armies. A new step in the development of such technology should be the introduction of elements of artificial intelligence, and then full-fledged autonomous systems of this kind. Currently, the American agency DARPA, with the assistance of a number of other organizations, is working on similar issues within the framework of several promising programs. The most successful at the moment is the Squad X program.
To help the army
On the modern battlefield, soldiers and army units are faced with a number of already known and completely new challenges and threats. They have to maintain the necessary situational awareness, keep in touch with other units and command, and repel attacks from different directions, incl. using electronic or cyber systems. Finally, fighters need to carry weapons, ammunition and various equipment to accomplish the task at hand.
For a long time, it has been proposed to simplify the implementation of the mission using a variety of technical means. For reconnaissance and fire destruction of targets, various unmanned systems, ground and air, have been used for a long time. Also, compact vehicles are being developed for the transportation of various property. Squad X proposes to further develop these ideas using cutting edge technology.
The program proposes to develop a set of key technologies on the basis of which new unmanned systems can be created. Due to special innovations, they will be able to work both together with a person and independently. In addition, it is necessary to ensure effective autonomous operation of groups of unmanned vehicles. In fact, we are talking about the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
The main contributor to the program is the DARPA office. Industry is represented by Lockheed Martin and CACI. They have already developed and tested new samples of equipment and technology, built on the basis of recently created solutions.
The work is carried out in the interests of the US Army and Marine Corps. The emergence of new equipment will allow to remove part of the load from the fighters, as well as provide them with some advantage over the enemy.
Targets and goals
The main goal of the DARPA Squad X program is to develop AI technologies for the subsequent creation of real models of equipment suitable for adoption. We are talking about hardware and software systems with the required capabilities and limited dimensions - computers with AI will be installed on ground and air platforms.
On the basis of AI, it is necessary to work out algorithms for the operation of equipment in the "flock". Unmanned vehicles will have to act both on the orders of a person and independently, and in all cases they will need the ability to analyze the situation and act together. The ability to work in groups will also be useful when interacting with live fighters.
Due to new technologies, future members of the Squad X "pack" will be able to solve a wide range of combat and auxiliary tasks. At the same time, they will have several characteristic capabilities that increase the overall combat capability of the unit - both with and without human participation.
First of all, it is planned to create a "pack", including a number of reconnaissance vehicles with AI. Acting on the ground and in the air, they will be able to study the situation, process data, identify objects seen and transmit data to soldiers. Autonomous scouts will also have to determine the degree of danger of the found objects and draw the attention of the soldiers to them.
The "flock" will be able to increase the accuracy of target designation and fire. This will lead to an increase in the combat effectiveness of the unit and to a reduction in ammunition consumption, which, in turn, will reduce the load on the fighters and their autonomous vehicles. The unit will be able to timely identify threats and respond to them. The AI scout is able to detect an ambush and help in the fight against it. Finally, the vehicles will be able to pave a safe path for the passage of the unit.
The creation of "flocks" with artificial intelligence makes special demands on navigation, communication and control devices. A unit with people and autonomous vehicles must maintain combat effectiveness in different conditions, incl. when the enemy uses electronic warfare and in the absence of signals from navigation satellites.
At the moment, the developments in "flocks" and AI in the framework of Squad X are associated only with the conduct of reconnaissance and ensuring the combat work of living soldiers. Unmanned aerial vehicles of this program will not carry any weapons. Perhaps full-fledged combat systems will appear in the future - already within the framework of another program.
Demonstration of possibilities
The result of the Squad X program has now become a set of various equipment and technology designed for field testing. DARPA and defense organizations used the existing developments and created a number of products for various purposes, with the help of which technical solutions are now being worked out.
The experimental "flock" included a ground-based unmanned vehicle BITS Electronic Attack Module (BEAM), developed by CACI. It is made on a wheeled chassis of high cross-country ability and carries a column with a set of various sensors and a video system. Also, the device is equipped with an on-board computer and communication facilities. BEAM is designed for terrain reconnaissance. In addition, it carries electronic warfare equipment, and in the future it can be used to interfere with information networks.
Reconnaissance can also be carried out using a helicopter-type unmanned aerial vehicle. Due to its limited carrying capacity, it cannot carry complex equipment.
Lockheed Martin has developed the ASSAULTS (Augmented Spectral Situational Awareness and Unaided Localization for Transformative Squads) kit to equip soldiers. It includes communication means, consoles for interacting with equipment, etc. All equipment for the soldier is assembled in the form of a knapsack. The division uses an all-terrain buggy with space to transport people and drones. It also houses some of the electronics and communications equipment.
The first tests of the Squad X experimental complex took place in November last year at one of the California proving grounds. The technique showed its basic functions, and also confirmed the fundamental possibility of its further development. Particularly difficult tasks related to the use of AI and all the “herding” capabilities were not used at that time.
In July 2019, DARPA conducted new tests. In the conditions of a training ground that imitates urban development, a unit with special equipment conducted reconnaissance and solved a combat training mission. It was argued that the "pack" showed itself well and coped with the assigned duties, but technical details were not disclosed. At the same time, the need to continue the development and refinement of technology was noted.
Project for the future
DARPA, Lockheed Martin and CACI have already conducted two stages of field testing of new equipment and equipment, according to the results of which they continue to develop the project. In the near future, new tests are expected in conditions as close as possible to combat. The Squad X project is notoriously complex and may require new trials and tests in the future.
The main result of the current DARPA Squad X project will be the set of technologies and solutions needed to create autonomous machines of various types that can interact with people and with each other. Such developments can be used in any new projects.
The experienced equipment used in the tests meets the requirements of the military. Consequently, ASSAULTS, BEAM, etc. can enter service as a multipurpose reconnaissance and information complex with transport functions. In the future, the development of new intelligence and information support systems is not ruled out. In the future, other complexes with the ability to carry and use weapons may appear.
However, so far the main task of the project participants is to find and work out basic solutions for creating such systems. There are some successes, but the work is still far from completion. Nevertheless, DARPA specialists are full of determination and intend to bring the project to its logical conclusion. After that, the development of full-fledged samples for operation in the army and the ILC will begin.
