Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall embarked on a groundbreaking flight in an AI-controlled F-16, marking a significant step towards the future of aerial combat.
On May 3, 2024, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall made history by taking a flight in an AI-controlled F-16 fighter jet. This bold move fulfilled a promise made to the Senate and demonstrated the United States' commitment to maintaining its leadership in artificial intelligence (AI).
The modified F-16, known as the X-62 Vista, was equipped with a highly sophisticated AI computer that controlled the aircraft's movements and made tactical decisions during aerial engagements and dogfights. Kendall, a 74-year-old West Point graduate and seasoned Army officer, piloted the aircraft while an experienced pilot sat in the back seat for safety purposes.
The flight took place over Edwards Air Force Base, California, and involved the AI successfully maneuvering the aircraft through a series of maneuvers, including supersonic flights, simulated bombing runs, and dogfights. During the exercise, the AI exhibited exceptional responsiveness and tactical prowess, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize aerial warfare.
"We turn the automation on and let it control the airplane for some period of time," Kendall said. "Then you turn it back off." The fact that the AI was able to control the aircraft for extended periods, even while executing complex maneuvers, highlights the significant advancements made in AI technology.
Kendall's flight is a testament to the Air Force's commitment to embracing emerging technologies and its recognition of the critical role AI will play in the future of combat. The successful integration of AI into fighter aircraft promises to enhance situational awareness, improve response time, and reduce pilot workload, leading to a more effective and efficient air force.
The Air Force's goal is to develop 1,000 or more unmanned combat AI planes by 2028. This ambitious plan involves selecting contractors to build Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones and accelerating the deployment of loitering munitions as part of the Pentagon's Replicator initiative.
Kendall also expressed confidence in the AI's ability to make autonomous decisions, including firing weapons. "I wasn't terribly worried about the risk of the autonomy," he said after his flight. This statement underscores the maturity and reliability of the AI systems being developed for combat applications.
The progress made in AI is seen as crucial for national security, particularly in light of China's growing military capabilities. The Air Force believes that AI will provide the United States with a significant advantage in future conflicts.
"China is a competitor with national purchasing power that exceeds our own, a challenge we have never faced in modern times," Kendall said in April 2024. The Air Force's investment in AI is seen as a proactive measure to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of technological advancements and maintains its global dominance.
The successful flight of an AI-controlled F-16 represents a major milestone in the evolution of aerial warfare. As AI technology continues to develop, it is expected to have a transformative impact on combat operations, leading to safer, more efficient, and decisive outcomes.
