General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

GA-ASI & Partners Achieve Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming in Successful Flight Test

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Lockheed Martin and L3Harris demonstrated crewed-uncrewed teaming in a flight test connecting an F-22 and MQ-20 Avenger using BANSHEE datalinks, Pantera radios & open radio architectures By Olivia Hannam / 20 Nov 2025
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On October 21, 2025, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), Lockheed Martin, and L3Harris Technologies collaborated on a flight test.

The demonstration successfully achieved crewed-uncrewed teaming between an F-22 Raptor fighter jet and a GA-ASI MQ-20 Avenger® unmanned jet.

The effort integrated L3Harris’ BANSHEE™ Advanced Tactical Datalinks with its Pantera Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) via Lockheed Martin’s open radio architectures, all integrated and shared from an F-22 Raptor.

Two L3Harris SDRs supported the demonstration. The first SDR was installed into the General Atomics MQ‑20 Avenger, and the second was integrated in the Lockheed Martin F‑22 Raptor. Through the Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) tablet and the F‑22’s GRACE module, the system provided end‑to‑end communications, enabling the F‑22 command and control of the MQ‑20 in flight.

The collaborative demonstration showcased non-proprietary, U.S. government-owned communications capabilities and the ability to fly, transition, and re-fly flight hardware that is core to the Open Mission Systems and skills based unmanned autonomy ecosystem.

The demonstration took place at the Nevada Test and Training Range and is part of an ongoing series of flight demonstrations performed using internal research and development funding to showcase “the art of the possible” between manned and unmanned teaming.

To learn more, visit the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc Partner Hub: Innovation Partner Hub
Posted by Olivia Hannam Olivia is a Junior Editor and Copywriter at Defense Advancement. She graduated with First-Class Honours in History from the University of Exeter, where she developed a strong passion for research and clear communication. Since joining DA in 2025, Olivia’s focus lies in producing insightful content that highlights the latest developments and innovations shaping the defense sector, with a particular interest in naval technology and maritime defense. Connect

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