U.S. Air Force Secretary Flies in AI-piloted X-62A VISTA

By IndraStra Global News Team

Cover Image Attribute: Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall flies in the X-62 VISTA in the skies above Edwards Air Force Base, California, on May 2 / Source: Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales

 

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works recently hosted U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall aboard the X-62A Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft (VISTA) at Edwards Air Force Base, California, showcasing advancements in AI-enabled autonomous flight with human oversight.  The purpose of the flight was “to experience firsthand the unique aircraft, which incorporates machine learning and highly specialized software to test autonomous flying and other cutting-edge capabilities.”
VISTA serves as a trailblazer in AI development, facilitating testing cutting-edge AI techniques and new uncrewed vehicle designs. In less than a year, significant milestones have been achieved, including integrating live AI agents into the aircraft's systems, demonstrating AI versus human dogfight scenarios, and implementing over 100,000 lines of flight-critical software changes across 21 test flights.
John Clark, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works emphasized the critical role of the X-62A VISTA in advancing aerospace capabilities. He highlighted the platform's versatility in enabling the rapid prototyping and development of AI and the establishment of AI certification standards, poised to revolutionize the future of aerospace technology.
Lockheed Martin utilizes open systems architecture and advanced technologies, such as the Model Following Algorithm (MFA) and System for Autonomous Control of the Simulation (SACS). These systems allow for complex testing while maintaining the flexibility required for quick software modifications and frequent flight tests. As a result, AI and autonomy development can be accelerated at a faster pace.
The success of these initiatives is evident in VISTA's recognition within the defense community. As part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program, VISTA has been nominated for prestigious awards such as the Robert J. Collier Trophy and has received accolades from esteemed organizations like the Society of Flight Test Engineers and Aviation Week.
Secretary Kendall's recent flight aboard VISTA underscores the significance of these advancements in shaping the future of aviation, both in military and commercial domains. By merging AI-enabled platform autonomy with human oversight, Lockheed Martin drives operational speed, enhances agility, and reduces sustainment costs.
“The potential for autonomous air-to-air combat has been imaginable for decades, but the reality has remained a distant dream up until now. In 2023, the X-62A broke one of the most significant barriers in combat aviation. This is a transformational moment, all made possible by breakthrough accomplishments of the ACE team,” Kendall said in a public release.
Originally an F-16D Block 30, the X-62A VISTA underwent extensive upgrades and modifications before its inaugural flight in 1992. It quickly became integral to the Test Pilot School curriculum. Notably, it features a unique central control stick linked to the simulation system, alongside the standard F-16 side stick. The VISTA Simulation System (VSS) enables TPS students to simulate diverse flying conditions, including characteristics of other aircraft.
In 2023, the Air Force revealed that AI agents effectively controlled the X-62A aircraft during a series of 12 flights in December 2022. This testing initiative engaged two distinct AI agents: the AFRL's Autonomous Air Combat Operations (AACO) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Air Combat Evolution (ACE), each fulfilling specific roles. 
While the AACO's AI agents engaged in one-on-one beyond-visual-range (BVR) encounters against simulated adversaries, the ACE's AI agents engaged in within-visual-range maneuvering, commonly referred to as "dogfighting," against constructive AI red-team agents. Both sets of AI agents executed autonomous tactical maneuvers while adhering to real-world airspace limits and maximizing aircraft capabilities.

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