AI Just Flew an F-16 for 17 Hours. This Could Change Everything.

[rangerrebew]

AI Just Flew an F-16 for 17 Hours. This Could Change Everything.
It’s a huge step forward for the fighters of the future.

BY SASCHA BRODSKYPUBLISHED: FEB 14, 2023
 
Artificial intelligence software flew the VISTA X-62A for more than 17 hours, marking the first time AI operated a tactical aircraft.

The VISTA is a training aircraft based on the F-16.

Next-generation fighter jets are expected to fly with the assistance of AI.

Move over, Maverick: artificial intelligence (AI) may soon be the next hot fighter jock in the skies.
 

An AI agent recently flew Lockheed Martin’s VISTA X-62A for more than 17 hours at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS) at Edwards Air Force Base in California—the first time AI was used on a tactical aircraft. The experimental training aircraft is expected to lay the groundwork for a coming wave of jets piloted entirely by computers.

 https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a42868467/ai-flies-fighter-jet-first-time/

[Kamaji]

How is this any different from a commercial autopilot, which routinely handles most of a commercial flight, including long-haul flights over the Pacific, that normally take between 15 to 17 hours?

[andy58-in-nh]

How is this any different from a commercial autopilot, which routinely handles most of a commercial flight, including long-haul flights over the Pacific, that normally take between 15 to 17 hours?

It is potentially a very different thing.

Commercial autopilot functions by following a programmed routine of following established flight corridors, with planned altitude and heading adjustments along the way.

Combat mission AI would inolve the ability to react in real time to unpredictable and changeable threat conditions, including both offensive and defensive weapons systems and tactics.

[Free Vulcan]

Well Skynet just took it to the next level...

[Kamaji]

It is potentially a very different thing.

Commercial autopilot functions by following a programmed routine of following established flight corridors, with planned altitude and heading adjustments along the way.

Combat mission AI would inolve the ability to react in real time to unpredictable and changeable threat conditions, including both offensive and defensive weapons systems and tactics.

I agree that it is "potentially" very different; the question is:  how different is it at this point in time?

To be perfectly honest, a two-hour flight that threw up multiple challenges that the AI had to respond to flexibly would be much more impressive than a 17-hour flight that just involved flying mostly pre-programmed flight patterns around an airforce base.

[andy58-in-nh]

I agree that it is "potentially" very different; the question is:  how different is it at this point in time?

To be perfectly honest, a two-hour flight that threw up multiple challenges that the AI had to respond to flexibly would be much more impressive than a 17-hour flight that just involved flying mostly pre-programmed flight patterns around an airforce base.

Of course. Where they are now is just a starting point, but given the rapid learning ability for AI, it could definitely be a game-changer. 

[Kamaji]

Of course. Where they are now is just a starting point, but given the rapid learning ability for AI, it could definitely be a game-changer. 

It will be a game-changer, no doubt about that.  The biggest game-changer will be when an AI-based aircraft gets autonomous fire authorization.

[rangerrebew]

I've always felt when the military releases some information like this, the technology is probably passe and is only used as a little something to keep civilians interested.  I remember the first time I saw an F-14 come aboard the ship I was on.  I thought what a great new plane!  Only later did I find out it had been around for years.