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US Air Force Confirms First Successful AI Dogfight

US Air Force Confirms First Successful AI Dogfight

MetroStorm
April 18, 2024

Watch Out, Maverick

Image of white fighter jet with red wing tipped wings, X-62 Variable In-Flight Stability Test Aircraft (VISTA)

Image: DARPA/Kyle Brasier

US Air Force Confirms First Successful AI Dogfight

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has recently unveiled progress in its Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program—a significant milestone in the integration of artificial intelligence within the aerospace sector.

The X-62A VISTA (Variable Stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft) serves as an example of cutting-edge technology tailored for modern warfare scenarios. Equipped with advanced AI algorithms, the aircraft can process vast amounts of data in real-time to execute complex combat maneuvers and strategies. The Air Force’s use of this system aims to improve mission success and reduce human risks in dangerous environments.

Image of white fighter jet fwith red wing tipped wings, X-62 Variable In-Flight Stability Test Aircraft (VISTA) flying upside down

Image: DARPA/Kyle Brasier

In a groundbreaking test conducted at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the AI-controlled jet, housed within the experimental X-62A aircraft, successfully engaged in a simulated dogfight against a human-piloted F-16. This test demonstrated the AI's capability to autonomously maneuver and make strategic decisions in high-speed, high-stakes scenarios without needing intervention from human pilots on board.

The ACE program began in December 2022, aiming to explore and expand the role of AI in air combat. The recent test flights, which included the first successful autonomous dogfight in September 2023, have not only tested the AI's tactical acumen but also its adherence to stringent Air Force safety protocols.

As the X-62A boasts impressive advancements in modern combat aviation, the technology raises significant concerns from experts, particularly in operational safety and the potential for AI systems to make autonomous lethal decisions. While the aviation industry is no stranger to automation, machine learning has been traditionally disallowed in aerial combat scenarios due to AI's inherent risks.

Looking forward, DARPA and the Air Force Test Pilot School plan to continue refining and expanding the capabilities of the X-62A VISTA with ongoing tests scheduled through 2024. This continual development aims to further validate the AI's efficacy and safety in complex aerial maneuvers, potentially setting new standards for autonomous flight in both military and civilian aerospace applications.