Lockheed Martin: AI software controlled training aircraft for more than 14 hours

Lockheed Martin: AI software controlled training aircraft for more than 14 hours

New York, 2/17/2023

According to Lockheed Martin, AI software successfully piloted a training aircraft for more than 17 hours. The AI agent flew the company’s VISTA X-62A, or Variable In-Flight Simulation Test Aircraft, at the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

VISTA, based on the F-16, conducted the AI-assisted flight in December.

According to Lockheed, it was the first time AI technology had been used to fly a tactical aircraft.

VISTA is embedded in software that allows it to mimic the performance of other aircraft, the company says.

With VISTA, the Air Force can develop and test new AI techniques with new autonomous aircraft designs.

This will “quickly mature the autonomy for unmanned platforms and allow us to add tactically relevant capabilities to our fighter aircraft,” said M. Christopher Cotting, director of research at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School.

VISTA was developed by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in partnership with Calspan Corp. developed for the Air Force School.

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