China Electronics Technology Group has developed a new system for launching and controlling large numbers of drones, named ATLAS, which is currently undergoing testing. CCTV Military was the first to broadcast footage of the test, showing that the entire system consists of one "Swarm" 2 ground combat vehicle, one command and control vehicle, and one support vehicle. One "Swarm" 2 launch vehicle can carry and deploy 48 drones, while one command and control vehicle can simultaneously manage drone swarms of up to 96 drones. During the test launch, attack drones accurately hit distant targets.
The key innovation of the ATLAS system lies not only in utilizing nearly a hundred drones to search for and strike targets, but also in enabling all drones to be controlled by a single operator. The operator can designate one or multiple targets, after which the drones autonomously operate—calculating and adjusting their flight missions, collaborating with each other, and determining optimal attack trajectories. Additionally, the ATLAS system integrates drones of various sizes and types, thereby achieving multi-layered, complementary combat capabilities within the swarm.
The drone launch interval on the "Swarm" 2 ground combat vehicle is three seconds, ensuring safe distances and flight paths between each drone. Reconnaissance drones are launched first, followed by electronic warfare drones, with attack drones launching last. Moreover, the types and sequence of drone launches can be flexibly configured according to operational needs.
Thanks to the application of artificial intelligence technology, nearly a hundred high-speed drones can quickly form dense and precise formations during missions. They can also autonomously adapt to environmental factors such as air turbulence, avoiding mid-air collisions. The swarm control algorithm effectively equips each drone with an "intelligent brain," enabling communication, information sharing, and real-time position adjustments to maintain a coordinated and consistent formation.
Let’s clarify the concept of drone "swarm." Everyone knows natural bee swarms: worker bees, drones, numerous individuals with clearly defined roles. Therefore, a drone swarm imitates this natural model, employing large numbers of drones with different mission types to conduct coordinated operations. A true drone swarm must include at least two different types of drones—such as reconnaissance, communication relay, electronic warfare, decoy, and attack drones. A group of numerous drones performing identical tasks does not constitute a drone swarm.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860729887235083/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.