In a dramatic shift toward the future of aerial warfare, the U.S. Air Force, in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has marked a pivotal moment in military aviation by successfully integrating artificial intelligence (AI) pilots into F-16 combat exercises. The groundbreaking endeavor, part of DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program, saw AI-piloted F-16s engaging in a series of 21 air combat exercises against human pilots over the past year, culminating in a face-off that has been hailed as “transformational.”
“The potential for autonomous air-to-air combat has been imaginable for decades, but the reality has remained a distant dream up until now,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall stated, underscoring the significance of this development. In a testament to the project’s success, Secretary Kendall confidently took to the skies, riding along in an AI-controlled F-16 during an intense dogfighting demonstration at Edwards Air Force Base.
The experimental X-62A aircraft, formerly known as the NF-16D, boasts advanced features such as a multi-axis thrust vectoring (MATV) engine nozzle, paralleling the super-maneuverability of Russian fighters like the Su-35. Equipped with a unique fly-by-wire system that mimics various aircraft types, the X-62A is tailor-made for AI integration.
During the exercises, the AI-piloted X-62 showcased its capacity for complex aerial maneuvers, closing within just 2,000 feet of its human-piloted counterpart at speeds exceeding Mach 1.5. Though a human ‘safety pilot’ was present on board, no intervention was necessary throughout the test flights, reinforcing the AI’s reliability.
Kendall emerged from his historic flight with a grin, expressing his trust in the AI’s decision-making capabilities, including weapon deployment in combat scenarios. Kendall assured that human oversight remains integral when it comes to weapon utilization.
The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and DARPA have been announced as finalists for the esteemed 2023 Robert J. Collier Trophy, an annual accolade recognizing the “greatest achievement” in American aeronautics.
Relevant articles:
– The U.S. Air Force Is Mock Dogfighting AI Piloted F-16 Fighter Jets, The National Interest
– An AI-controlled fighter jet took the Air Force leader for a historic ride. What that means for war, apnews.com
– US Air Force stages dogfights with AI-flown fighter jet, Defense News
– US Air Force says AI-controlled F-16 has fought humans, The Register