Detail

DARPA’s Rapid Experimental Autonomous Missions (REMA) program will provide drones with this capability to continue the predefined task autonomously when communication with the operator is lost.

An interesting feature of REMA is that the program moves from announcement to contract in just 70 business days.

REMA is an example of the rapid development of ideas and technologies. Five artists work under contract […] To produce joint solutions to achieve program goals,
says REMA program manager Dr. Lael Rudd.

Commercial drone technology is rapidly evolving, providing cost-effective and reliable capabilities for a variety of civil and military missions. As small aircraft play an increasingly important military role on the battlefield, REMA will neutralize enemy electromagnetic countermeasures designed to disrupt operator-drone communications to disrupt missions and cause accidents.

“REMA is focused on creating autonomous solutions to maximize the effectiveness of existing commercial and small military drones on the battlefield. By creating an autonomy adapter that works with all commercial drones, regardless of manufacturer, and by developing mission-specific autonomous modules that are constantly updated and can be easily loaded before the mission.” “We aim to provide drone operators with an advantage in rapid combat operations.”added Rudd.

The 18-month single-stage program is divided into two technical areas:

• Drone autonomy adapter interface. Contracts were signed with Anduril and RTX companies for the development of the drone autonomy adapter interface.
• Mission-Specific Autonomy Software. Leidos, Northrop Grumman and SoarTech have been awarded contracts to develop software for mission autonomy.

REMA will be able to: Determine the drone type when connected and apply autonomy to increase its capabilities.

The first development cycle started in December 2023. Developers are expected to demonstrate a fully working solution in March 2024.