Aerospace

US AirForce Successfully completes first flight with XQ-58A Valkyrie using AI

The Air Force Research Laboratory successfully oversaw a three-hour sortie on July 25 to demonstrate the first flight of artificial intelligence algorithms developed by AFRL and trained using machine learning on an XQ-58A Valkyrie in order to lower the risk associated with the development and maturation of artificial intelligence capabilities.

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In the Eglin Test and Training Complex, test aircraft conducted the flight. The Skyborg Vanguard and Autonomous Aircraft Experimentation (AAx) programmes launched a four-year partnership that culminated in the flight.

According to Col. Tucker Hamilton, head of DAF AI Test and Operations, “the mission proved out a multi-layer safety framework on an AI/ML-flown uncrewed aircraft and demonstrated an AI/ML agent solving a tactically relevant “challenging problem” during airborne operations.” “This sortie formally enables the ability to develop AI/ML agents that will execute contemporary air-to-air and air-to-surface skills that are immediately transferrable to other autonomy programmes.”

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The Autonomous Air Combat Operations group at AFRL was responsible for creating the algorithms. The algorithms were developed during millions of hours of high-fidelity simulation, X-62 VISTA sorties, hardware-in-the-loop experiments with the XQ-58A, and ground test operations.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.