Taylor Brooks
Lockheed Martin recently conducted a flight test where engineers demonstrated the ability of an artificial intelligence-powered synthetic aperture radar, or SAR, capability to automatically recognize maritime targets.
SAR ATR Abilities
The SAR Automatic Target Recognition, or SAR ATR, capability classified targets in near real-time with the help of machine learnings operations tools, which allowed for rapid retraining, Lockheed said Wednesday. Embedded sensor control autonomy also allowed SAR ATR to be re-tasked in real-time based on the targets detected.
The testing of SAR ATR, which was developed by a team comprising the Lockheed Martin AI Center, Skunk Works and Rotary Mission Systems, will continue throughout the year. Information gathered from the flight tests will be used to create and advance several of Lockheed Martin’s autonomous systems, including collaborative combat aircraft and related system applications.
Remarks by Lockheed Martin’s John Clark
Commenting on the recent flight test, John Clark, senior vice president of technology and strategic innovation at Lockheed Martin, said, “This is a major leap for harnessing AI to help enhance situational awareness and decision-making capabilities, with unparalleled threat identification across extended ranges and all-weather conditions.”
“We are committed to continuing to advance this capability, including data integration from multiple sensors, to create more accurate insights and help the warfighter make informed decisions in the maritime battle space,” he added.
