Boeing, Northrop Grumman demonstrate MUM-T with P-8A and MQ-4C Triton

The Boeing P-8A Poseidon and Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton have executed a simulated demonstration of enhanced interoperability and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities to execute anti-surface warfare and Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, including satellite relay to reflect realistic operational communications, said Boeing in a media release.

Boeing and Northrop Grumman successfully demonstrated how their platforms can share intelligence, mission planning and execution. This jointly funded technology collaboration applied universal standard interfaces to make integration across platforms quicker and more cost effective for operators.

In the lab demonstration, a P-8A operator issued machine-readable, machine-actionable mission tasking to a simulated MQ-4C Triton using Universal Command and Control Interface (UCI) formatted messages.

The P-8A cued the Triton to transit to a specific area. After receiving the request, the Triton autonomously planned and executed a transit to the area, employed sensors per the tasking, processed findings onboard, and reported results back to the P-8A Poseidon, says Boeing.

Data routes included satellite relay to reflect realistic operational communications. Mission management and autonomy layers communicated via OMS/UCI rather than custom point-to-point interfaces.

“This Poseidon-Triton teaming demonstration unlocks real-world capability and interoperability for the US and allies,” said Tory Peterson, vice president, Boeing P-8 Program. “We’re investing so that current and future global P-8A operators can expand the scope and effectiveness of their missions with low-risk, evolutionary enhancements on the most advanced maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft already in service.”

“MQ-4C Triton and P-8A are the backbone of the US Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force, delivering complementary capabilities unmatched by any other platforms,” said Jane Bishop, vice president and general manager, global surveillance division, Northrop Grumman. “This demonstration underscores the flexibility of our systems, our unwavering industry investment and the strength of our industry partnerships. Our commitment to pushing the boundaries of advanced technology ensures that the US and allied nations operators maintain an unparalleled edge against evolving maritime threats.”

Using UCI, the platforms can collaborate with any US or allied asset sharing the same interface, reducing operator workload by distributing the mission tasks and accelerating commander decisions, making integration across platforms quicker and more cost effective.

UCI is a machine-to-machine collaboration standard based on Open Mission Systems and the US government’s Autonomy – Government Reference Architecture.