Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Navigation for The AC-130J

Abstract

The Department of Defenses (DOD) reliance on the Global Positioning System (GPS), a satellite-based radio navigation system owned and operated by the United States government, creates a critical vulnerability within the DOD. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) must be able to operate in areas that are GPS denied and degraded. This capstone project seeks to leverage AFSOCs Rapid Capability Development Branch in conjunction with the Department of the Air Forces Massachusetts Institute of Technology Artificial Intelligence Accelerator (DAF-MIT AIA) Robust Neural Differential Models for Navigation and Beyond (MagNav) project to supplement GPS navigation. MagNav research and flight tests have shown it can supplement GPS navigation data, which would allow AFSOC aircraft to operate in GPS-denied and -degraded areas. This capstone leveraged personal relationships and institutional mechanisms to test MagNav in flight on United States Air Force aircraft. The AC-130J is scheduled for initial MagNav testing in the near future. MagNav will ensure AFSOC remains relevant and lethal for strategic competition.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2023
Accession Number
AD1213119

Entities

People

  • Aaron P. Drain
  • Daniel S. Christenson
  • William R. Borges

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Counter IED
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Artificial Satellites
  • California
  • Commercial Pilots
  • Department Of Defense
  • Detectors
  • Global Navigation Satellite Systems
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Guidance
  • Improvised Explosive Devices
  • Magnetic Navigation
  • Metal Detectors
  • Navigation
  • Navigation Satellites
  • Radio Interference
  • Students
  • Test And Evaluation
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • United States Special Operations Command
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering.
  • Inertial Navigation Systems.
  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy
  • Space