AI Pilot Operates USAF Training Aircraft for Over 17 Hours

An artificial intelligence agent recently operated the Lockheed Martin VISTA X-62A training aircraft for over 17 hours, marking a significant advancement in autonomous flight capabilities. VISTA, which stands for Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft, utilizes software to replicate the performance characteristics of various aircraft. During this test flight, it successfully mimicked a human pilot.

This historic flight occurred in December and represents the first instance of AI being employed in this manner on a tactical platform, according to Lockheed Martin. The primary goal is to utilize VISTA to test and develop aircraft designs that can operate autonomously.

"VISTA will enable us to parallelize the development and testing of advanced artificial intelligence techniques alongside new uncrewed vehicle designs," said Dr. M. Christopher Cotting, director of research at the US Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS). "This innovative approach, along with targeted testing of new vehicle systems as they are created, will accelerate the maturation of autonomy in uncrewed platforms and deliver tactically relevant capabilities to our warfighters."

Developed by Lockheed's Skunk Works division in collaboration with Calspan for the USAF TPS at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the VISTA program has previously contributed to advancements in virtual heads-up displays and voice command systems for the F-35 Lightning II.

The USAF has recently enhanced the VISTA X-62A with Lockheed's Model Following Algorithm (MFA) and System for Autonomous Control of the Simulation (SACS). These upgrades enable VISTA to conduct advanced flight tests that leverage autonomy and artificial intelligence, further pushing the boundaries of military aviation.