Mudbucket®
A game changing system that enables rapid modernization of existing aircraft and platforms.Mudbucket®
A game changing system that enables rapid modernization of existing aircraft and platforms.
We're changing the face of modernization.
AI may be reshaping the battlefield, but most military platforms weren’t designed to support autonomous systems. Rather than redesigning legacy aircraft, vehicles, and ships, Aether’s proven Mudbucket® system delivers a faster, more affordable path to autonomy without modifying host software or core architecture.
Mudbucket’s operationally validated technology allows the DOW to add a new capability to legacy craft for a fraction of the cost and timeline; what took years now takes months. It meets Congressionally mandated requirements and is easily available through a Sole Source SBIR Phase III.
Mudbucket is platform agnostic and compatible with any mission system.
Mudbucket, Aether’s patented Multiplex Data Bus Controller, Translator, and Transmitter, or “Mudbucket”, enables rapid modernization of existing aircraft and platforms. By slipping a custom adapter that can be as small as a cell phone into existing wiring, Mudbucket edits interface data in real time, all without ever touching platform flight software. Because it preserves existing interfaces and leverages current hardware, Mudbucket dramatically reduces the cost of modernization.
Mudbucket qualifies as a Mission-Enabling Solution because it allows autonomy to operate cohesively with both existing platform systems and the pilot, without having to redesign a single component.
- Faster R&D with reduced development time
- Lower integration & modernization costs
- Open architecture & systems ensures sustainability while reducing technical risk
- Incremental upgrade flexibility
- Capacity for fleetwide-deployment
- MOSA-compatible
- Used in Flight Automation and Control, Missions Systems, & Weapons Systems
Mudbucket is platform agnostic and compatible with any mission system.
Mudbucket, Aether’s patented Multiplex Data Bus Controller, Translator, and Transmitter, or “Mudbucket”, enables rapid modernization of existing aircraft and platforms. By slipping a custom adapter that can be as small as a cell phone into existing wiring, Mudbucket edits interface data in real time, all without ever touching platform flight software. Because it preserves existing interfaces and leverages current hardware, Mudbucket dramatically reduces the cost of modernization.
Mudbucket qualifies as a Mission-Enabling Solution because it allows autonomy to operate cohesively with both existing platform systems and the pilot, without having to redesign a single component.
- Faster R&D with reduced development time
- Lower integration & modernization costs
- Open architecture & systems ensures sustainability while reducing technical risk
- Incremental upgrade flexibility
- Capacity for fleetwide-deployment
- MOSA-compatible
- Used in Flight Automation and Control, Missions Systems, & Weapons Systems
All Mudbucket hardware, software, tools, and processes have been proven over thousands of operational hours.
Mudbucket is used to host multiple AI agents optimized for different tasks and enables the autonomous agent to talk to and control a platform. We like to say it is "the thing between the things” that allows the platform manager to add a new capability, such as a sensor, radar, data link, or an AI agent's control inputs, to legacy craft without having to modify systems through an expensive, slow process. Instead, Mudbucket slips an adapter into the existing wiring, edits interface data in real time, without ever touching platform software.
Driving the adapter is Aether's patented signal editor, an FPGA-based capability performing real-time editing of MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429, serial, and discrete signals. Signal-editing remains undetectable to existing systems.
Mudbucket Autonomy Kit (MAK)
Aether’s Mudbucket Autonomy Kit enables scalable deployment and rapid integration of autonomous capabilities across multiple aircraft types and fleet configurations without touching OFP software.
- Rapid integration of autonomous capabilities
-
Fleet-wide scalability across aircraft types
-
Additive installation
-
No OFP modifications
Established Integration Capabilities
Through Mudbucket’s Integration Suite, customers can integrate emerging capabilities into both legacy and new aircraft. Proven uses include:
-
Flight Automation & Control
-
Mission Systems
-
Radar & Sensors
-
Datalinks
-
Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems
-
Human–Machine Interfaces
-
Data Recording
-
IRST
Existing Mudbucket Apps
We offer a flight-proven, robust Mudbucket Application Library, used across aircraft, ground vehicles, maritime platforms, and other systems to enable cost-effective, repeatable modernization:
-
Autonomy interfaces
-
AI hosting as an add-in
-
Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training
-
Cyber data filtering
-
Human-machine teaming
All Mudbucket hardware, software, tools, and processes have been proven over thousands of operational hours.
Mudbucket is used to host multiple AI agents optimized for different tasks and enables the autonomous agent to talk to and control a platform. We like to say it is "the thing between the things” that allows the platform manager to add a new capability, such as a sensor, radar, data link, or an AI agent's control inputs, to legacy craft without having to modify systems through an expensive, slow process. Instead, Mudbucket slips an adapter into the existing wiring, edits interface data in real time, without ever touching platform software.
Driving the adapter is Aether's patented signal editor, an FPGA-based capability performing real-time editing of MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429, serial, and discrete signals. Signal-editing remains undetectable to existing systems.
Mudbucket Autonomy Kit (MAK)
Aether’s Mudbucket Autonomy Kit enables scalable deployment and rapid integration of autonomous capabilities across multiple aircraft types and fleet configurations without touching OFP software.
- Rapid integration of autonomous capabilities
-
Fleet-wide scalability across aircraft types
-
Additive installation
-
No OFP modifications
Established Integration Capabilities
Through Mudbucket’s Integration Suite, customers can integrate emerging capabilities into both legacy and new aircraft. Proven uses include:
-
Flight Automation & Control
-
Mission Systems
-
Radar & Sensors
-
Datalinks
-
Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems
-
Human–Machine Interfaces
-
Data Recording
-
IRST
Existing Mudbucket Apps
We offer a flight-proven, robust Mudbucket Application Library, used across aircraft, ground vehicles, maritime platforms, and other systems to enable cost-effective, repeatable modernization:
-
Autonomy interfaces
-
AI hosting as an add-in
-
Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training
-
Cyber data filtering
-
Human-machine teaming
Mudbucket in the news
Need more information?
Aether's team is available to answer any other questions your may have about Mudbucket, including timelines and integration capabilities into your own fleet. Contact our Mudbucket Lead to start the process.
Keith Griffin
945.790.1833 | Keith.Griffin@AetherAero.com
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