First known test dogfight between AI and human pilot carried out, US military says

Social Media · April 19

The US military has announced a groundbreaking milestone in aviation history: the first known test dogfight between an AI-controlled fighter jet and a human pilot. Conducted over Edwards Air Force Base in California, the aerial combat drill pitted two F-16 fighter jets against each other, one manned by a human pilot and the other operated by an AI algorithm.

During the dogfight, which reached speeds of up to 1,200mph and saw the jets come within 600 meters of each other, the AI-controlled aircraft showcased its capabilities in real-world combat scenarios. The AI algorithm, embedded in a modified version of the F-16 known as the X-62A or VISTA (variable in-flight simulator test aircraft), relied on machine learning to analyze historical data and make decisions in the heat of battle.

While AI agents had previously defeated human pilots in simulations, this test marked the first time the technology was put to the test in the air. Pilots were onboard the AI-controlled jet as a safety precaution but did not need to intervene during the dogfight, demonstrating the AI's ability to autonomously handle complex aerial maneuvers.

DARPA, the US Department of Defense's research and development agency, hailed the test as a "transformational moment in aerospace history." Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall lauded the breakthrough accomplishment, emphasizing the potential for autonomous air-to-air combat to revolutionize combat aviation.

Colonel James Valpiani, a commandant at the US Air Force test pilot school, highlighted the significance of machine learning in enhancing the safety and effectiveness of air combat. He emphasized the X-62A's role not only in advancing test capabilities but also in preparing the next generation of test leaders.

The successful test underscores the growing role of AI in military operations and raises questions about the future of aerial combat. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of AI into military aircraft could fundamentally reshape the nature of warfare, offering new possibilities for efficiency and effectiveness while posing ethical and strategic challenges.

2024-04-20

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