These tests generate data that is used to improve the algorithms and vehicle models at a remarkably fast pace,” he added. “It allows the USAF to rapidly execute tactical autonomy algorithm and fixed-wing vehicle model flight tests. “The X-62 is a flight test accelerator,” the experimentation official said. Previously designated NF-16D, in June 2021 VISTA was recognized by the USAF and deemed a national asset with a formal redesignation to VISTA X-62A. VISTA is a modified F-16D Block 30 Peace Marble Il aircraft upgraded with Block 40 avionics. Built on open systems architecture, VISTA is fitted with software that allows it to mimic the performance characteristics of other aircraft. The X-62A VISTA is a one-of-a-kind training aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in collaboration with Calspan Corporation for the USAF TPS. “This approach, combined with focused testing on new vehicle systems as they are produced, will rapidly mature autonomy for uncrewed platforms and allow us to deliver tactically relevant capability to our warfighter.” “VISTA will allow us to parallelize the development and test of cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques with new uncrewed vehicle designs,” said Cotting in a Lockheed Martin news release. Malcolm Cotting, the director of Research for the US Air Force Test Pilot School.Ĭotting said the VISTA team will continue to support rapid advanced autonomy tests and push the state-of-the-art in-flight testing. “The X-62A VISTA team has proven with this test campaign that they are capable of complex AI test missions that accelerate the development and testing of autonomy capabilities for the DOD,” said Dr. The official said the rapid changes that can be achieved safely on VISTA allow researchers to respond to lessons learned quickly, improving capabilities during test windows. The X-62A Variable Stability In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft, or VISTA The SACS and MFA systems integrated together provide new capabilities to the VISTA so it can be used to conduct the most advanced flight test experiments emphasizing autonomy and AI. Recent upgrades by the US Air Force (USAF) include an updated VISTA Simulation System (VSS) provided by Calspan, and Lockheed Martin’s Model Following Algorithm (MFA), and System for Autonomous Control of the Simulation (SACS). These tests are built upon the X-62A VISTA upgrade, which allows the X-62 to be controlled by AI-driven autonomy algorithms and mimic flight characteristics of fixed-wing vehicles such an MQ-20 or as in these tests, an F-16. AACO’s AI agents performed one-on-one beyond-visual-range, or BVR, engagements against a simulated adversary, and ACE’s AI agents performed within-visual-range maneuvering, known as dogfighting, against constructive AI red-team agents.īoth teams’ AI agents executed autonomous tactical maneuvering while maintaining real-world airspace boundaries and optimizing aircraft performance. Supporting organizations included the US Air Force Test Center, the Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA.Īccording to a 412th Test Wing Public Affairs news release, AFRL’s Autonomous Air Combat Operations, or AACO, and DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution, or ACE, AI-driven autonomy agents piloted the US Air Force Test Pilot School’s X-62A VISTA to perform advanced fighter maneuvers. These tests are built upon the X-62A VISTA upgrade, which allows the X-62 to be controlled by AI-driven autonomy algorithms and mimic flight characteristics of fixed-wing vehicles such an MQ-20 or as in these tests, an F-16.Ī joint Department of Defense team executed 12 flight tests in which artificial intelligence, or AI, agents piloted the X-62A Variable Stability In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft, or VISTA, to perform advanced fighter maneuvers at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Dec.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |