The future of aerial combat took flight recently when U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall flew in the front seat of the X-62A VISTA, a specially modified aircraft designed to test cutting-edge autonomous flight capabilities.
The X-62A, nicknamed VISTA (Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft), boasts a unique feature: the ability to develop and test autonomous flying capabilities in real-time using machine learning and live agent integration.
During Secretary Kendall’s flight, the X-62A performed a series of tactical maneuvers, with live agents responding in real-time to simulated threats. The maneuvers, part of a simulated aerial dogfight against an adversary aircraft, validated the AI models and assessed their performance. Significantly, throughout the test flight, neither Secretary Kendall nor the safety pilot touched the controls, showcasing the autonomous capabilities of the X-62A.
This groundbreaking technology was successfully demonstrated through a collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program. The team’s achievements were recognized as a finalist for the prestigious 2023 Robert J. Collier Trophy.
“The potential for autonomous air-to-air combat has been imaginable for decades, but the reality has remained a distant dream up until recently,” stated Secretary Kendall. “In 2023, the X-62A broke one of the most significant barriers in combat aviation. This is a transformational moment, all made possible by breakthrough accomplishments of the ACE team”
The X-62A program is spearheaded by the research division of the US Air Force Test Pilot School. The team’s mission is to accelerate the development of multi-domain capabilities for future war fighters while embracing challenges to rapidly test novel technologies.
Initially designed to simulate the flight characteristics of other aircraft, the X-62A has undergone a significant transformation. The team envisioned a platform that could integrate and test artificial intelligence theory through real-time use of live agents. This ambitious goal required a complete re-imagining and expansion of the VISTA’s capabilities.
The project culminated in a major upgrade in 2022, equipping the X-62A with three new highly specialized software suites and significantly enhanced processing power.
“Before the flight, there was no shortage of questions from teammates and family about flying in this aircraft,” explained Secretary Kendall. “For me, there was no apprehension, even as the X-62 began to maneuver aggressively against the hostile fighter aircraft. The flight reinforced my belief that we have made meaningful progress in advancing autonomous military aviation. In the not too distant future, there will be two types of Air Forces—those who incorporate this technology into their aircraft and those who do not and fall victim to those who do. We are in race, we must keep running and I am confident we will do so.”
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USAF Secretary is not correct. The USAF is a uniformed service with a military leader. Secretary Kendall is the Secretary of the Air Force over two uniformed services – the USAF and the USSF. A proper headline would have been Air Force Secretary or Secretary of the Air Force