In a groundbreaking test conducted by the US military, a manned jet went head-to-head against an artificial intelligence-controlled F-16. Known as the Variable-stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), this AI-controlled two-seater F-16D X-62A showcased the potential of machine learning in transforming aerial warfare. The dogfight, which took place last year but was recently disclosed by the US Air Force and the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), highlights the advancements being made in human-machine teaming and trusted autonomy.
DARPA’s experimentation with AI began in December 2022 through its Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program. The goal was to develop an AI system capable of autonomously piloting a fighter jet. During the September 2023 dogfight, humans were present on board the X-62A with the ability to disable the AI, although it was unnecessary to do so at any point. DARPA reported that both aircraft engaged in high-aspect nose-to-nose maneuvers, reaching distances as close as 2,000 feet while flying at speeds of 1,200 miles per hour. The outcome of the dogfight has not been disclosed.
Bill Gray, the chief test pilot at the Air Force’s Test Pilot School, emphasized the significance of solving the problem of dogfighting to enable the testing of autonomous artificial intelligence systems in the air. He stated, “Every lesson we’re learning applies to every task you could give to an autonomous system.” The ACE program has conducted 21 test flights since its inception, resulting in over 100,000 lines of flight-critical software changes, according to Newsweek.
Looking ahead, Frank Kendall, secretary of the US Air Force, announced plans to launch an autonomously flown F-16 later this year, with a pilot on board solely as an observer. This demonstrates the increasing confidence in AI technology and highlights the vision of a future where human pilots may not be required to fly the aircraft. Kendall expressed his hope that neither he nor the pilot will be needed to handle the airplane as the technology takes over.
The dogfight between a manned jet and an AI-controlled fighter aircraft marks a significant milestone in the development of AI in aerial warfare. While the results of the test have not been fully disclosed, the progress made in human-machine teaming and trusted autonomy is evident. The ACE program’s ongoing efforts to explore the capabilities of autonomous systems in the air demonstrate the commitment of the US military to leverage AI technology for future operations. As we move forward, the integration of AI in aerial warfare promises to revolutionize the way fighter aircraft are engaged in combat, opening up new possibilities and challenges for the future of warfare.
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