EDWARDS AFB, Calif.,
Feb. 13,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)
VISTA X-62A, a one-of-a-kind training aircraft, was flown by an
artificial intelligence agent for more than 17 hours recently,
representing the first time AI engaged on a tactical aircraft.
VISTA, short for Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft, is
changing the face of air power at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot
School (USAF TPS) at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
VISTA is a one-of-a-kind training airplane developed by Lockheed
Martin Skunk Works® in collaboration with Calspan Corporation for
the USAF TPS. Built on open systems architecture, VISTA is fitted
with software that allows it to mimic the performance
characteristics of other aircraft.
"VISTA will allow us to parallelize the development and test of
cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques with new uncrewed
vehicle designs," said Dr. M. Christopher
Cotting, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School director of
research. "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."
Recent upgrades by the U.S. Air Force 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). 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.
The 17-plus hour flight by an AI agent took place as part of a
series of tests in December.
VISTA is a modified F-16D Block 30 Peace Marble Il aircraft
upgraded with Block 40 avionics. Previously designated NF-16D, in
June 2021 VISTA was recognized by the
U.S. Air Force and deemed a national asset with a formal
redesignation to VISTA X-62A.
This new mission system capability with VSS, MFA and SACS
emphasize advancing autonomous aircraft algorithm development and
integration. At the heart of SACS system is the Skunk Works
Enterprise-wide Open Systems Architecture (E-OSA) which powers the
Enterprise Mission Computer version 2 (EMC2) or "Einstein Box."
Additional SACS components include integration of advanced
sensors, a Multi-Level Security solution, and a set of Getac tablet
displays in both cockpits. These components enhance VISTA's
capabilities while maintaining its rapid-prototyping advantage,
specifically allowing for quick software changes to increase the
frequency of flight test flights and accelerating the pace of AI
and autonomy development to meet urgent national security
needs.
For decades, Lockheed Martin has been applying and deploying
trusted AI technologies to help its customers maximize performance,
safety, and situational awareness across all domains. Lockheed
Martin's implementations keep people in control while enabling them
to be safer, more effective and better able to focus on
higher-level tasks by empowering them to make more-informed
decisions quickly.
VISTA will continue to serve an integral role in the rapid
development of AI and autonomy capabilities for U.S. Air Force. It
is currently undergoing a series of routine inspections. Flights
will resume at Edwards Air Force Base throughout 2023.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin
Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs
approximately 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged
in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and
sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and
services.
Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest
announcements and news across the corporation.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics