A self-driving fighter jet powered by artificial intelligence engaged in a dogfight with a human pilot over California last year as part of DARPA’s ACE program. The AI agents performed well during the tests, demonstrating a pathway to safely integrate AI into combat situations. The X-62A VISTA aircraft, modified to test AI software, engaged in a dogfight at Edwards Air Force Base in September, with AI controlling the F-16 while two human pilots remained on board for safety.
Officials did not disclose win-to-lose ratios for national security reasons but shared lessons learned, including the rapid development of AI software. Trusting AI in dogfighting scenarios is challenging due to safety concerns and differences in behavior compared to human pilots. This effort will contribute to the development of collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs) that will work alongside manned fighters.
The Air Force plans to test CCAs in the near future and Secretary Frank Kendall intends to fly in an autonomously-piloted plane later this year to experience the AI algorithms firsthand. Program leaders believe Kendall’s involvement demonstrates the advancements being made in collaborative combat aircraft technology. More demonstrations of autonomous combat maneuvers are planned throughout the year.
