AI pilot operates experimental F-16 fighter jet

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (NYSE: LMT) recently collaborated with the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and various government and industry partners to host U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall for a flight aboard the X-62A Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft (VISTA). This aircraft is unique, having been modified specifically for testing artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy capabilities.

VISTA serves as a trailblazer in AI development, facilitating the exploration and testing of cutting-edge AI techniques within novel unmanned vehicle designs. This work is crucial for achieving distributed teaming objectives. Remarkably, within a span of less than a year, the teams successfully integrated initial live AI agents into the systems of the X-62A, showcased the inaugural AI versus human dogfight, and implemented over 100,000 lines of flight-critical software modifications over 21 test flights.

“The need for innovation at speed and scale is greater than ever. The X-62A VISTA is a crucial platform in our efforts to develop, test, and integrate AI, as well as to establish AI certification standards that will revolutionize the future of aerospace,” said John Clark, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “Our proven hardware and software architecture create secure and controlled environments for AI agents and sophisticated algorithms to swiftly prototype and evolve.”

Lockheed Martin’s open systems architecture, leveraging Skunk Works’ Model Following Algorithm (MFA) and System for Autonomous Control of the Simulation (SACS), facilitates intricate tests. These significant enhancements augment VISTA’s capabilities while preserving its advantage in rapid prototyping, allowing for swift software adjustments and frequent flight tests. This expedites the pace of AI and autonomy development to align with pressing national defense priorities.

This architecture has demonstrated reliability and robustness, capable of transitioning to third-party distributed hardware to replicate safe and controlled flight test objectives, as demonstrated by VISTA. Lockheed Martin leads the charge in integrating AI-enabled platform autonomy with human oversight to enhance operational speed, optimize agility, and reduce sustainment costs.

The F16 is renowned as one of the deadliest fighter jets in existence, boasting a versatile array of weaponry and a proven track record in battle with its single-engine design. Despite being among the oldest fighter jets in the US Air Force, it has received the latest upgrades in Avionics and Weapons systems. A significant milestone achieved by Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force is the integration of AI technology, enabling automated control of the aircraft. While Lockheed Martin has experimented with various aircraft, the F16 stands out as a unique platform in this regard. It marks a historic achievement as the world’s first fighter jet to be controlled by AI technology.

Secretary Kendall’s flight closely follows several notable accolades for VISTA, including nominations as finalists for the 2023 Robert J. Collier Trophy and receipt of the Society of Flight Test Engineers’ James S. McDonnell Award and Aviation Week’s 2024 Laureate Award for Defense.