Shield AI conducted flight tests with the BQM-177A target drone from Kratos and the DT25 from Airbus, both equipped with its Hivemind autonomy software.
The goal was to simulate maneuvers that more closely resemble adversary tactics and to test beyond visual range (BVR) autonomous flight capabilities for the United States Navy. The BQM-177A test took place at the Point Mugu Sea Range in California as part of the Experimental Platform for Intelligent Combat (EPIC) project, validating cooperation between drones and manned aircraft.
During the tests, one of the BQM-177A drones used Advanced Vehicle Control Laws (AVCL) to perform complex maneuvers, while the other executed additional autonomous behaviors simulating modern anti-ship cruise missile threats.
NAVAIR highlighted that the system enables realistic interactions with fleet assets, contributing to operational training and development testing, as well as preparing the Navy to counter asymmetric threats and loitering munitions.
In parallel, Hivemind was also integrated into the DT25 target drone during tests in Norway, autonomously tracking adversary aircraft in both normal and degraded environments. The initiative reinforces the use of low-cost platforms for autonomy research and contributes to the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, providing strategic data on autonomous operations and accelerating the integration of smart drones into naval aviation.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @shieldaitech | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Informing future @USNavy CCA concepts: BQM-177A, powered by Hivemind.
Mission autonomy has never been so EPIC. In collaboration with @NAVAIRNews‘ Strike Planning and Execution Program (PMA-281) and Aerial Targets Program (PMA-208), Hivemind successfully flew the BQM-177A,… pic.twitter.com/G4dSUEtC8L
— Shield AI (@shieldaitech) September 22, 2025
