Overview of the AI vs Human-Piloted Aircraft Dogfight Experiment
In a significant event in September 2023, a groundbreaking dogfight took place between a piloted aircraft and an AI-controlled F-16. The AI-managed F-16D X-62A, also known as the Variable-stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), engaged in an aerial combat session, showcasing the potential of machine learning in revolutionizing aerial combat tactics.
Details of the Experiment
- The experiment was part of DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program, initiated in December 2022 to develop an autonomous fighter jet system.
- During the dogfight, individuals were present aboard the AI-controlled jet with the capability to deactivate the AI, although it was not required.
- Both aircraft participated in close encounters, approaching within 2,000 feet at speeds of 1,200 miles per hour.
- The outcome of the dogfight was not publicly disclosed.
Significance of the Experiment
Bill Gray, the chief test pilot at the Air Force’s Test Pilot School, emphasized the importance of dogfighting in advancing autonomous AI systems for various aerial tasks. The ACE program has conducted 21 test flights since its inception in December 2022, leading to significant software enhancements.
Future Plans and Implications
Secretary of the US Air Force, Frank Kendall, announced plans to introduce an autonomously flown F-16 later in the year, with a pilot observing as the technology operates. The ultimate goal is for the technology to function independently without human intervention, underscoring the evolving role of AI in military aviation.
