Anduril's Menace-X Demos AI-enabled Rapid Targeting Solution at Marine Exercise

December 13, 2023

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For the first time, Anduril Industries demonstrated Menace-X, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled, expeditionary Command and Control (C2) edge node, during the U.S. Marine Corps' Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course held in Yuma, Arizona.

Menace-X is a software-defined and integrated hardware solution for multi-domain C2, consisting of a fully-integrated Polaris MRZR vehicle, resilient data mesh networking capability, and AI-powered Lattice for C2 software. Mobile and lightweight, the integrated system provides Marines with robust, rapidly-deployable hardware, sensors, and modular compute to enable ubiquitous communications relay, tactical C2, and maritime fires coordination and execution at the edge that supports Marine Corps expeditionary advanced base operations (EABO).

In partnership with the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) Science and Technology Directorate, Anduril showcased these capabilities during the seven-week WTI course, where prospective Weapons and Tactics instructors used the full capabilities of Menace-X to enable forward-deployed, integrated mesh networks for secure, low-latency sharing of time-sensitive mission data from operationally-relevant joint battle-networks. Integrating disparate networks with Menace-X provided a common, open, extensible architecture for dynamic targeting and C2 through Anduril's Lattice software platform.

During the course, the Marines first deployed Menace-X via C-17 aircraft in the conduct of a long-range airfield seizure mission. Once offloaded, Menace-X was brought online within minutes and received beyond line of sight (BLOS) targeting information for an enemy force before passing coordinates to a nearby High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) for precision engagement. This enabled rapid multi-domain closure of the kill chain within seven minutes — a testament to the speed and resiliency of the Family of Integrated Targeting Cells (FITC) framework.

Menace-X was also internally transported via MV-22 Osprey to demonstrate dynamic maritime targeting against a simulated adversary surface action group. Friendly forces during the maritime aerial interdiction exercise included F/A-18C/D Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, F-35B Lightning II jets, AV-8B Harriers, KC-130J, MQ-9 Reapers and Menace-X — which gained and maintained custody of hundreds of operationally relevant, real-time aircraft tracks and sensor points of interest. Throughout WTI, Menace-X was validated as in-theatre transportable, given its modular hardware and software design, by all Marine Corps medium and large assault support aircraft, including CH-53E/K, MV-22 and KC-130J.

Anduril's Menace-X is purpose-built to support the synchronization of scouting and strike missions while providing forward Marine units increased maneuverability and lethality. Anduril's participation in WTI demonstrated its ongoing commitment to serving the ever-changing needs of operators through innovation and rapid deployment of new technologies.

Anduril is a proven leader in developing and fielding integrated autonomous solutions across a wide variety of sensors, effectors, and platforms across domains.

Source : Anduril Industries