Thursday, January 14, 2021
  • About us
    • Write for us
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms of use
    • Privacy Policy
  • RSS Feeds
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us
DefenceTalk
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports
No Result
View All Result
DefenceTalk
No Result
View All Result

DARPA Gremlins Project Completes Third Flight Test Deployment

by US Department of Defense
December 14, 2020
in Air Force News
2 min read
0
Gremlins could enable cheaper, more effective, distributed air operations
27
SHARES
351
VIEWS

Attempts at airborne retrieval of three unmanned air vehicles, nicknamed Gremlins, were just inches from success in DARPA’s latest flight test series that started on October 28. Each X-61A Gremlins Air Vehicle (GAV) flew for more than two hours, successfully validating all autonomous formation flying positions and safety features.

Nine attempts were made at mechanical engagement of the GAVs to the docking bullet extended from a C-130 aircraft, but relative movement was more dynamic than expected and each GAV ultimately, safely parachuted to the ground.

“All of our systems looked good during the ground tests, but the flight test is where you truly find how things work,” said Scott Wierzbanowski, program manager for Gremlins in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office. “We came within inches of connection on each attempt but, ultimately, it just wasn’t close enough to engage the recovery system.”

Hours of data were collected over three flights, including aerodynamic interactions between the docking bullet and GAV. Efforts are already underway to analyze that data, update models and designs, and conduct additional flights and retrieval attempts in a fourth deployment this spring.

“We made great strides in learning and responding to technological challenges between each of the three test flight deployments to date,” said Wierzbanowski. “We were so close this time that I am confident that multiple airborne recoveries will be made in the next deployment. However, as with all flight testing, there are always real world uncertainties and challenges that have to be overcome.”

The goal of the Gremlins program is to demonstrate air launch and air recovery of four GAVs within 30 minutes. The capability of safe, effective, and efficient air recoveries will dramatically expand the potential uses of unmanned air vehicles in conflict situations.

The GAVs can be equipped with a variety of sensors and other mission-specific technologies. They can also be launched from various types of military aircraft, keeping those less expendable assets beyond the range of adversary defenses. After air retrieval of GAVs, they would be transported back to the ground where crews could prepare them for another mission within 24 hours.

Dynetics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leidos, is developing the Gremlin vehicles.

Tags: darpadronesgremlins
Previous Post

Drones, wars, genocide: Tainted legacy of Nobel Peace laureates

Next Post

US government says agencies hit by massive cyberattack

Related Posts

NORAD Air Defense Exercise Planned for National Capital Region

NORAD Air Defense Exercise Planned for National Capital Region

January 13, 2021

The North American Aerospace Defense Command will conduct Falcon Virgo, a routine air defense exercise, on Thursday, January 14, through...

Third NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Aircraft Arrives at Sigonella

German government at odds over armed drones

January 1, 2021

Should the German army be equipped with killer drones? With less than a year to go before a general election,...

Next Post
US government says agencies hit by massive cyberattack

US government says agencies hit by massive cyberattack

Latest Defense News

DOD’s Autonomous Vessel Sails Through Transit Test, Participates in Exercise Dawn Blitz

DOD’s Autonomous Vessel Sails Through Transit Test, Participates in Exercise Dawn Blitz

January 14, 2021
NORAD Air Defense Exercise Planned for National Capital Region

NORAD Air Defense Exercise Planned for National Capital Region

January 13, 2021
Russia Developing Anti-Drone Weapons

Afghanistan probes air strike that killed civilians

January 11, 2021
Night-Vision Revolution: Less Weight, Improved Performance

Night-Vision Revolution: Less Weight, Improved Performance

January 11, 2021
Biden: Better Conventional Arms Will Allow Nuclear Drawdown

Biden urged to renounce sole control of US nuclear weapons

January 11, 2021
Final Trophy Active Protection Systems Delivered to US Army

Final Trophy Active Protection Systems Delivered to US Army

January 11, 2021

Defense Forum Discussions

  • Indonesia: 'green water navy'
  • Russian Navy Discussions and Updates
  • New Coronavirus threat
  • NZDF General discussion thread
  • Testing the Nikon Z7 II; What a Great Camera with Super Focus
  • General Maritime News & Discussion
  • Bombings, Mass shootings & Domestic Security Issues in the US
  • Air defence strategy (in the Australian context)
  • The Indonesian Army
  • Indian Military Aviation; News, Updates & Discussions
DefenceTalk

© 2003-2020 DefenceTalk.com

Navigate Site

  • Defence Forum
  • Military Photos
  • RSS Feeds
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports

© 2003-2020 DefenceTalk.com