DARPA launches Deep Thoughts AUV program

Two aircraft operated by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), designated SWORD27 and SWORD33, were launched within minutes of each other. SWORD33 lost its ADS-B tracking signal at approximately 1524 Zulu time while at an altitude of 63,100 feet. Meanwhile, SWORD27 descended rapidly into the restricted airspace R 2524, located just outside the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station in California. The nature and purpose of these flights, part of DARPA's advanced development programs, remain undisclosed.