U.S. Air Force Awards $48.8 Million Contract to Applied Research for Multi-Sensor Fusion and Machine Autonomy Development
U.S. Air Force researchers have selected Applied Research Solutions Inc. in Beavercreek, Ohio to develop architecture-agnostic multi-sensor fusion and machine autonomy capabilities. The $48.8 million contract, known as the Mission Autonomy for Air and Space Systems (MASS) program, aims to enhance battle management, sensor command and control, as well as sensor data collection, communications, processing, and dissemination.
The MASS program will focus on advancing technology that enables closed-loop sensing, data processing, and reasoning for sensor mission autonomy in military operations. By applying multi-domain, multi-platform, and multi-scale machine autonomy technologies, Air Force leaders can gain a comprehensive understanding of threats, allies, and neutral elements. The program will also contribute to improving the planning, conduct, and assessment of mission effects across various sensor, strike, electronic warfare (EW), and cyber missions.
One of the key objectives of the MASS program is to help Air Force leaders generate military response options, optimize sensor planning and deployment, and process data gathered from different sensor systems. The project will leverage machine autonomy and advanced computing to develop secure, architecture-agnostic software, databases, interfaces, and digital artifacts. This approach will ensure versatility across alternative processing architectures, accommodating different levels of classification.
Applied Research Solutions will also address the management of localized and distributed sensors, decision-making processes, and advancements in computer algorithms. Their expertise will contribute to the development of a more autonomous and efficient system, supporting the Air Force’s mission effectiveness.
At the conclusion of the project, Air Force Research Laboratory officials expect that the MASS capabilities will have a significant impact on the effectiveness of military operations. The technology’s improved sensor fusion and machine autonomy will help the Air Force achieve better situational awareness, enabling enhanced decision-making and timely responses to various operational scenarios.
For more information about Applied Research Solutions, please visit their website at https://www.appliedres.com. To learn more about the Air Force Research Laboratory and their ongoing initiatives, visit www.afrl.af.mil.
In summary, the U.S. Air Force has awarded Applied Research Solutions a $48.8 million contract to develop multi-sensor fusion and machine autonomy capabilities as part of the MASS program. This initiative aims to enhance battle management, sensor command and control, and sensor data processing. By leveraging machine autonomy technologies, the Air Force seeks to improve its understanding of threats and allies, optimize sensor planning, and process data from various sensor systems. Applied Research Solutions will develop secure, architecture-agnostic software and databases to support these objectives. The end goal is to enhance the Air Force’s mission effectiveness through improved situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.
