The MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicle is set to receive a major onboard processing upgrade, as Ultra Intelligence & Communications (I&C) delivers its new Knox-5 mission processor under a contract with the US Marine Corps. The enhancement is designed to significantly boost the drone’s ability to handle artificial intelligence and data-intensive workloads directly at the edge.
As part of the agreement, Ultra I&C will supply nine Knox-5 processors, enabling the MQ-9B to perform advanced data analysis onboard rather than relying heavily on off-platform or ground-based computing. This approach is expected to reduce latency, improve responsiveness, and support faster decision-making during time-sensitive missions.
The Knox-5 processor is built on an open systems architecture and is compliant with the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) standard, allowing seamless integration with a wide range of sensors, payloads, and mission systems. The open design ensures adaptability as new capabilities and software applications are introduced.
By strengthening onboard processing power, the MQ-9B is positioned to better support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in contested environments, where communications may be degraded. The upgrade underscores the US military’s broader push toward edge computing and AI-enabled unmanned operations.
