X-62 Archives

Rachel Kinard, Air Force Test Pilot School director of research, and Lt. Col. Philip Downing, 370th Flight Test Squadron commander, depart for a HAVE HEAT test mission at Edwards Air Force Base, California, April 16, 2026. Leveraging Lockheed Martin’s Infrared Search and Track Legion Pod, during the HAVE HEAT program, the X-62 VISTA platform demonstrated the ability of AI agents to ingest live infrared sensor data, directing the X-62 to autonomously intercept an airborne target in real time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lindsey Iniguez)

Air Force expands autonomous flight tests with live, AI-enabled intercepts

During one of the latest Air Force experiments, the X-62 VISTA conducted 27 autonomous air intercepts across eight flights.

Aug 5, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall flies in the X-62 VISTA in the skies above Edwards Air Force Base, California, May 2, 2024. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)

Air Force leveraging AI flight experiments to inform future testing efforts

AI tests being conducted at Edwards Air Force Base will inform the service's testing efforts for future programs, such as Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

Dec 12, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

Air Force’s Kendall: AI agents had ‘roughly an even fight’ against human F-16 pilot in recent engagements

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall recently flew aboard the VISTA aircraft to witness close-up engagements with an F-16.

May 8, 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

X-62 aircraft is ‘booked solid’ as a flying testbed for autonomy technology

The Air Force Research Lab and Air Force Test Center are launching a multiyear campaign to test autonomy capabilities on X-62 aircraft.

Sep 20, 2022 By Jon Harper