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| Very Great, AI Technology on the VISTA X-62A or F-16D Fighter Jet Can Control the Flight for 17 Hours |
International Military - Lockheed Martin's unique jet fighter trainer called the VISTA X-62A became the first tactical aircraft controlled by artificial intelligence (Artificial Intelligence / AI). Even in December 2021, the aircraft was airborne for over 17 hours during a test flight from Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The program was developed by Lockheed Martin's secret Skunk Works research facility in collaboration with the Calspan Corporation. VISTA or Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft is being used by the US Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards, to mimic the flight characteristics of various aircraft to be able to operate independently.
The VISTA X-62A is a modified F-16D Block 30 Peace Marble Il fighter jet equipped with Block 40 avionics. Initially designated as NF-16D, but after being declared a national asset, the name was changed to X-62A in June 2021.
While it may look like an F-16 with a flashy livery, the VISTA X-62A has some very advanced capabilities beneath its aluminum alloy skin. One of them is the VISTA Simulation System (VSS) developed by Calspan, and the Lockheed Martin Algorithm Following Model (MFA), and the System for Simulation Autonomous Control (SACS).
"VISTA will allow us to parallel the development and testing of cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques with new unmanned vehicle designs," said Dr M Christopher Cotting, director of research at the US Air Force Experimental School.
The last two systems, integrated together, give the aircraft new capabilities that turn it into a flight testbed for autonomy and AI.
The SACS system features Skunk Works' Enterprise-wide Open Systems Architecture (E-OSA) running the Enterprise Mission Computer version 2 (EMC2), also known as the Einstein Box. VISTA X-62A.
Photo/US Air Force It was designed to allow older systems to link together to share data across all domains. The aircraft also has advanced sensors and Getac tablet displays at the front and rear of the cockpit.
“This approach, combined with focused testing of new vehicle systems as they go into production, will rapidly mature autonomous systems for unmanned platforms. This allows us to provide tactically relevant capabilities to our fighters,” said Christopher Cotting.
According to Lockheed, the VISTA X-62A not only enhances capabilities, but can also handle quick changes to its software for rapid prototyping to speed development as well as increase the number of test flights. The VISTA X-62A is currently undergoing inspection, after which it will return to flying.