L3Harris launches AMORPHOUS, C2 for autonomous platforms

L3Harris has announced the launch of its AMORPHOUS software that is designed to provide a single interface for users to, “operate thousands of autonomous assets simultaneously,” according to a 10th February press release.

“AMORPHOUS has demonstrated its flexibility and interoperability by controlling multiple separate assets across multiple vehicle types operating in different domains during government-managed tests,” L3Harris states. It adds that the new system provides a single user interface that allows an operator to integrate multiple autonomous platforms into a single command and control network, the press release states. A user interface is the point at which a human meets and interacts with a computer or device. You are reading this article on a user interface, so it is simply the way in which we communicate with computers. 

L3Harris states that the system is manufacturer agnostic and uses an open architecture that will enable autonomous operations at scale. To that end, the name of the system – AMORPHOUS – stands for Autonomous Multi-domain Operations Resiliency Platform for Heterogeneous Unmanned Swarms. 

“Autonomy is a force multiplier, which is why we have designed AMORPHOUS as a multi-domain, multi-mission capability that rapidly integrates a variety of uncrewed systems across the battlespace,” said Jon Rambeau, President, Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris. 

The announcement touches upon some of the many challenges that must be overcome to fully integrate autonomous platforms into a predominantly human force; how do you command them at scale, if scale is needed? Lockheed’s Skunk Works detailed its tests from late 2024 where a human operator acted as the commander for two autonomous jets, for example. In other cases, the US Navy is working to understand how best to command and operate autonomous platforms from an aircraft carrier. 

 “This project also highlights L3Harris’ partnerships with venture-backed and non-traditional companies to mature emerging defense capabilities more quickly and affordably,” Rambeau adds. Non-traditional defence companies are those like Anduril and Helsing, which are quickly establishing themselves as major players within the defence ecosystem, especially where autonomous platforms are concerned. This makes integration and cooperation with primes and traditional defence companies essential to some extent, as the two sides of the industry should preferably work together. 

Calibre comment

Increasing autonomy on the battlefield is a key priority for many nations. It is happening at some pace in Ukraine, with both sides deploying robotic combat vehicles and drones for various purposes that often serve to minimise the exposure of personnel. There, the pressures of operating in vast open terrain where movements can easily be detected and ISR assets are more or less persistent, are driving the use cases for autonomous platforms. However, for western forces, which are generally seeking autonomous platforms with a peacetime mentality, there is the need to establish and think through use cases that will meaningfully contribute to the way that their forces fight. This is something of a challenge, however the industry preference for ‘affordable mass’ coupled with more expensive exquisite capabilities indicates that armed forces may come to a balance of both, therefore requiring some form of command and control that can balance the capabilities of multiple different systems simultaneously.