ACE Archives

The X-62 VISTA flies in the skies over Edwards Air Force Base, California, March 23, 2023. (Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)

Pentagon takes AI dogfighting to next level in real-world flight tests against human F-16 pilot

Officials provided an update on DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution program.

Apr 17, 2024 By Jon Harper

The Variable In-flight Simulator Aircraft (VISTA) flies in the skies over Edwards Air Force Base, California, shortly after receiving its new paint scheme in early 2019. The aircraft was redesignated from NF-16D to the X-62A, June 14, 2021. F-16 AI agents developed under DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program controlled the X-62A during test flights over Edwards AFB, California, in December 2022. (Air Force photo by Christian Turner)

AI agents take control of modified F-16 fighter jet

DARPA's air combat evolution program aims to advance the Pentagon’s autonomous systems capabilities as the U.S. military pursues robotic wingmen and other drones.

Feb 14, 2023 By Jon Harper