Distributed Autonomy/Responsive Control – DA/RC

Removing the dependency of unmanned systems on continuous communication.

men and women on computers in large room

Northrop Grumman’s DA/RC system is a leading prototype Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) system. It connects and controls a wide range of complex systems across all domains and services in highly contested environments.

This mature transformational software provides decision making superiority for a manned/unmanned fleet in up to a highly contested environment. Through DA/RC, operators are able to control a large number of assets at machine speed with scalable degrees of human oversight.

DA/RC capability will be instrumental in shaping the future of combat by enabling technology to work in closer collaboration with people. This transformational technology enables seamless human-machine collaboration for effective decision-making and cooperative mission management across distributed manned and unmanned assets.

man looking at large screen

Connected to Defend

By distributing autonomy to each vehicle and automating time-critical tactical decision making, DA/RC allows missions to continue even in non-permissive environments where communication links may be jammed.

Read more about DA/RC in action
room full of people on computers with large screens in front

Ars Technicast Special Edition: The Role of Open Systems in Connecting the Joint Force

The role of open systems plays an important part in connecting what’s referred to as the “Joint Force.” It is the combined and coordinated functioning of multiple service branches from the US and its international allies. Listen to Richard Sullivan, VP, on Ars Technica’s podast to learn more on how the Joint Force is becoming one.

Listen to Podcast
USAF Global Hawk flying over desert

Goals of this Revolutionary Software:

  • Remove the dependency of unmanned systems on continuous communication
  • Automate the real-time tactical decision-making and routine tasks currently provided by humans for manned and unmanned systems
  • Improve the efficiency and accuracy of tactical decision-making required to operate multiple, cooperating systems in complex, dynamic, hostile environments
  • Reduce overall manpower
  • Provide an effective interface for humans to regulate, supervise and manage system behavior at all levels from total force to individual subsystems
  • Provide a interoperable/scalable architecture (UCI, OMS, micro services, cloud based)

The DA/RC approach underscores the power of human-machine teaming and enables faster, more efficient decision-making in complex and dynamic environments in the future.

Related Programs and Articles

large military plane flying in sunset

Autonomous Systems

Making autonomy reality. That's defining possible.

finger touching tablet in front of person working a computer

Connecting the Joint Force as One

Future mission success will lay in highly-effective Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2)

computer operators in private room

The Future of Defense

Now. Powered by Northrop Grumman

In the News

rendering of several satillites in orbit

Northrop Grumman Rapidly Completes Critical Design Review for Tranche 1 Transport Layer

42-satellite constellation will provide resilient, secure communications for U.S. troops operating globally

Placeholder image for card grids

Air Force launches spy drones over South China Sea

The Northrop-Grumman-made now-in-development DA/RC system seeks to distribute greater measures of autonomy into the aircraft itself.

Placeholder image for card grids

Northrop Pitches Autonomous Battle Management Software for ABMS

Air Force Magazine reports on how Northrop Grumman aims to shed light on the joint all-domain command and control dilemma.

Placeholder image for card grids

Northrop Grumman Brings DA/RC View to the Modern Battlefield

AUVSI News reports on how intelligent systems, manned and unmanned, work together

Placeholder image for card grids

Northrop Grumman to Demonstrate Electronic Warfare Suite Prototype for US Air Force F-16 Fighter

The goal is to provide spherical radar warning, threat identification and countermeasure capabilities to protect aircrews from modern electromagnetic spectrum threats.

Placeholder image for card grids

Northrop Grumman Simultaneously Intercepts Multiple Threats During Flight Test

Successful US Army flight test further demonstrates IBCS’ unprecedented interoperability and ability to detect, track and simultaneously engage threats

Placeholder image for card grids

Northrop Grumman Showcases Autonomous Maritime Capabilities at U.S. Navy’s Advanced Naval Technology Exercise

Exercise demonstrated air drop of sonobuoys from a Northrop Grumman Fire Scout surrogate aircraft and deployed the Northrop Grumman micro synthetic aperture sonar (µSAS) with real-time automated target recognition on a man-portable UUV