Lockheed Martin’s VISTA X-62A, a training aircraft, was flown by an AI agent for more than 17 hours

Lockheed Martin’s VISTA X-62A, a training aircraft, was flown by an artificial intelligence (AI) agent for more than 17 hours recently, marking the first time AI engaged on a tactical aircraft. The X-62A VISTA is a one-of-a-kind training airplane developed by Lockheed Martin and Calspan Corporation for the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. The recent upgrades by the U.S. Air Force include an updated VISTA Simulation System, Lockheed Martin’s Model Following Algorithm and System for Autonomous Control of the Simulation. These upgrades emphasize advancing autonomous aircraft algorithm development and integration and allow the VISTA to conduct the most advanced flight test experiments focusing on autonomy and AI. The VISTA will continue to play an important role in the development of AI and autonomy capabilities for the U.S. Air Force.