Autonomous Robotics Programs

Excalibur

Autonomous Navigation System (ANS) Demo III Dismounted Operations: TAC-C Excalibur Mobile Detection Assessment and Response System (MDARS) Near Autonomous Unmanned Systems (NAUS) - Advanced Technology Objective (NAUS-ATO) Organic Air Vehicle – II (OAV2) Robotic Technology Integration and Assessment (RTIA) Robotics Collaborative Technology Alliance (RCTA) Trauma Pod–Life Saving Technologies for the Future Unmanned Autonomous Collaborative Operations (UACO) Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) Vetronics Technology Integration (VTI)

Excalibur is a purpose-built, armed tactical Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV). Excalibur fills the gap between current ad-hoc weaponized UAVs and manned strike platforms that provide tactical air support. To enable the attack role, Excalibur will be compatible with Hellfire, APKWS, Viper Strike and other small, precision-guided munitions recently developed by the Department of Defense.

The aircraft's advanced flight control system operates with a high level of autonomy. Since it is not remotely piloted, operators are able to focus on mission planning, finding, and engaging targets instead of flying the aircraft.

Aurora is under contract to the Army's Applied Aviation Technology Directorate (AATD) to design a 1,000 pound Excalibur technology demonstrator aircraft, which is scheduled for flight in 2007, pending the availability of funds.

GDRS is teamed with Aurora Flight Sciences during the technology demonstration phase of this AATD program to specify and design the complex technologies of the air vehicle’s ground control station and data links.

GDRS Manager:

Program Sponsor: US Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD)

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