An AI agent flew a USAF training plane for more than 17 hours
Lockheed Martin says this is the first time AI has flown a tactical aircraft.
An artificial intelligence agent recently flew the Lockheed Martin VISTA X-62A trainer aircraft for more than 17 hours. VISTA (which stands for Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft) can use software to simulate the performance characteristics of other aircraft. On this occasion, he instead imitated a human pilot.
The flight took place during a test period in December. This is the first time AI has been engaged in this way on a tactical aircraft, Lockheed explains. The goal is to use the platform to test aircraft designs that can be flown autonomously.
"VISTA will allow us to parallel the development and testing of cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques with new unmanned vehicle designs," said Dr. M. Christopher Cotting, US Research Director Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS) in a statement. statement. "This approach, combined with targeted testing of new vehicle systems as they are produced, will quickly mature the autonomy of unmanned platforms and allow us to deliver a tactically relevant capability to our warfighter."
The Skunk Works division of Lockheed worked with Calspan to build VISTA for the USAF TPS at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Among other things, the VISTA program was used to develop the virtual heads-up display and voice command input system for the F-35 Lightning II.
The USAF recently updated the VISTA X-62A with Lockheed's Pattern Tracking Algorithm (MFA) and Simulation Autonomous Control System (SACS). When integrated, these systems help VISTA perform advanced flight tests that leverage autonomy and AI.
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Lockheed Martin says this is the first time AI has flown a tactical aircraft.
An artificial intelligence agent recently flew the Lockheed Martin VISTA X-62A trainer aircraft for more than 17 hours. VISTA (which stands for Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft) can use software to simulate the performance characteristics of other aircraft. On this occasion, he instead imitated a human pilot.
The flight took place during a test period in December. This is the first time AI has been engaged in this way on a tactical aircraft, Lockheed explains. The goal is to use the platform to test aircraft designs that can be flown autonomously.
"VISTA will allow us to parallel the development and testing of cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques with new unmanned vehicle designs," said Dr. M. Christopher Cotting, US Research Director Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS) in a statement. statement. "This approach, combined with targeted testing of new vehicle systems as they are produced, will quickly mature the autonomy of unmanned platforms and allow us to deliver a tactically relevant capability to our warfighter."
The Skunk Works division of Lockheed worked with Calspan to build VISTA for the USAF TPS at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Among other things, the VISTA program was used to develop the virtual heads-up display and voice command input system for the F-35 Lightning II.
The USAF recently updated the VISTA X-62A with Lockheed's Pattern Tracking Algorithm (MFA) and Simulation Autonomous Control System (SACS). When integrated, these systems help VISTA perform advanced flight tests that leverage autonomy and AI.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices correct at time of publication.
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