The U.S. Navy has successfully demonstrated that unmanned EA-18G Growlers could be operated autonomously, using a third manned aircraft as the mission controller. If continued testing is successful, the use of an unmanned aircraft would allow for penetrating deeper into enemy space while the manned aircraft remains at a safe distance away.
The Growler is an electronic attack version of the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet.
Tom Brandt, Boeing Manned-Unmanned Teaming demonstration lead explained, “This technology allows the Navy to extend the reach of sensors while keeping manned aircraft out of harm’s way. It’s a force multiplier that enables a single aircrew to control multiple aircraft without greatly increasing workload. It has the potential to increase survivability as well as situational awareness.”
The test flight was a joint Boeing-Navy operation.