Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, together with Lockheed Martin's Demonstrations and Prototypes organization and the University of Iowa's Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL), demonstrated a mission involving collaboration between crewed and uncrewed aircraft. During this mission, an airborne battle manager used a touchscreen pilot vehicle interface (PVI) to give real-time commands to AI-controlled aircraft.
During a sequence of flight tests, the Skunk Works and OPL teams conducted a simulation of an offensive counter-air mission. In this scenario, a human "battle manager" aboard an L-39 Albatros directed targets to two AI-operated L-29 Delfin jets. These jets collaborated to overcome two simulated enemy aircraft using virtual mission systems and weapons.
"The work we're doing with the University of Iowa's OPL is foundational for the future of air combat, where a family of crewed and uncrewed systems will work together to execute complex missions," said John Clark, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. "We're excited to leverage our diverse skillsets to advance all elements of this new way of operating."
These flight tests expand upon earlier experiments that showcased AI's capability in air-to-ground jamming and geolocation. This year's focus moved to AI in air-to-air combat, with AI issuing commands directly to the aircraft's autopilots. This marks the third test of its kind and the first to involve a real-time human battle manager supervising the AI's activities.
Skunk Works is committed to facilitating collaboration between crewed and uncrewed systems to enhance operational flexibility, shorten decision-making timelines, and increase pilot safety. We consistently invest in collaborative technologies to ensure our customers remain ahead of evolving threats.
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