By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The future of warfare is increasingly moving towards autonomous systems, and the U.S. Air Force is at the forefront of this revolution. The Secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall, recently flew in the X-62A VISTA an aircraft that incorporates highly specialized software to develop and test autonomous flying capabilities in real-time using machine learning. This event marks a significant milestone in the journey towards autonomous air-to-air combat.
The X-62A VISTA, derived from the F-16D Fighting Falcon, was modified as a joint venture between General Dynamics and Calspan for use by the United States Air Force (USAF). The aircraft, originally designated NF-16D, was redesignated X-62A in June 2021 as part of an upgrade to a Skyborg, with System for Autonomous Control of Simulation (SACS). The X-62A remains on the curriculum of the Air Force Test Pilot School as a practice aircraft for test pilots.
The X-62A VISTA’s unique capabilities lie in its ability to perform a variety of tactical maneuvers in response to a simulated threat, with aircraft controls remaining untouched by the pilot throughout the entire flight. This demonstrates the potential for autonomous air-to-air combat, which has remained a distant dream until now.
The X-62A VISTA’s capabilities are a significant leap forward in autonomous aircraft technology. The aircraft’s software allows it to mimic the performance characteristics of other aircraft, making it a versatile tool in the arsenal of the U.S. Air Force. The integration of AI can use our most capable technologies to solve problems previously reliant on human decision making.
Secretary Kendall stated, “The potential for autonomous air-to-air combat has remained a distant dream until now, but the integration of AI can use our most capable technologies to solve problems previously reliant on human decision making”. This statement underscores the transformative potential of AI in modern warfare.
In addition to the X-62A VISTA, a team of field grade officers known as Black Phoenix demonstrated a proof-of-concept to design, create, build, and fly an unmanned aerial system within 24 hours. Colonel Dustin Thomas, a Black Phoenix team member, says small unmanned aerial systems are becoming a new warfighting capability.
The advancements in autonomous aircraft technology, as demonstrated by the X-62A VISTA and the Black Phoenix team, are set to revolutionize the future of warfare. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping military strategies and tactics in the years to come. The final results of these studies will be presented to Air Force senior leaders to inform future strategies, marking the beginning of a new era in autonomous warfare.
