Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are continuing to revolutionize our world. From driverless cars to autonomous drones, AI has started reshaping how we move and interact with the environment around us.
But recently, things have reached a new level: an AI-controlled F-16 fighter jet flew for 17 hours without human control. This remarkable achievement could be the first of many breakthroughs that will significantly impact how aircraft – and transportation in general – operate from now on.
The VISTA X-62A was operated by artificial intelligence software for more than 17 hours, setting a precedent as the first tactical aircraft to be managed by AI.
-The F-16 serves as the foundation for the VISTA training aircraft.
-The next iteration of fighter jets is anticipated to take flight with the backing of Artificial Intelligence.
Make way for AI – it could be the next top fighter pilot in the sky. Recently, an AI agent operated Lockheed Martin’s VISTA X-62A aircraft at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS) at Edwards Air Force Base in California for over 17 hours, a first for using AI on a tactical aircraft.
The experimental training aircraft is anticipated to set the stage for a forthcoming influx of jets controlled solely by computers.
The VISTA, crafted by Lockheed’s Skunk Works and Calspan Corporation, is fitted with programming that permits it to imitate the capacities of different airplanes. The test plane has been transformed into an F-16D Block 30 Peace Marble Il airplane furnished with Block 40 avionics.
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The VISTA AI test flight may be a harbinger of what is to come in terms of sixth-generation fighter jets, which are still in the conceptual stage but could potentially have the capacity to take off and fly without human pilots.
The Next Generation Air Dominance program of the Air Force seeks to create a series of planes that will take over from Lockheed’s F-22 Raptor.
Other countries besides the U.S. are looking into Artificial Intelligence (AI) for their jets. For example, the U.K., Italy, and Japan have indicated they will construct a new fighter plane controlled by algorithms instead of pilots. These advanced fighters are projected to be operational in the mid-2030s and eventually supplant the Typhoon jet.
The Russian Air Force wants to incorporate artificial intelligence into its fighter aircraft. According to a recent report, AI technology would assist pilots in making key decisions quickly and could enable better communication between pairs of planes. Despite limited information about the system, it facilitates data-sharing among jets.
Private firms that wish to provide technology for service sectors are increasingly looking towards AI. Shield AI recently declared an additional $60 million in venture capital financing for developing AI pilots. Their Hivemind software is designed as an AI pilot for military and commercial aircraft. It allows aircrews to conduct missions such as breaching air defense systems and engaging in dogfights.
Shield AI’s algorithms, according to the company, can do various tasks, including mission planning and mapping. Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s cofounder, expressed in a press release that, eventually, aircraft can fly and complete missions autonomously. As put forward by Hivemind, these algorithms are expected to make this possible.
Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s co-founder, says:
“Racing to put up swarms of highly intelligent aircraft to deter the next conflict.”
Elon Musk predicted that AI advancements would soon render fighter jets obsolete. However, some suggest that AI has a considerable distance to travel before it supplants human pilots.
Science And Technology Journalist
Sascha Brodsky, a freelancer from New York City who holds degrees from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and School of International and Public Affairs, covers various technology topics such as personal tech, AI, and virtual reality.
In his profession, he has been featured in many renowned publications such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Guardian. When not working, his favorite pastimes consist of cycling and hiking.
The possibilities for what AI can do in the future are endless. While there are still many kinks to work out, it is exciting to think about all of the potential applications of this technology. From flying fighter jets to helping doctors diagnose diseases, AI will change our world significantly in the future.
Source: Popular Mechanics
