Lockheed Martin successfully conducted flight tests for a crewed-uncrewed teaming mission, where an airborne battle manager controlled AI-controlled aircraft through a touchscreen interface. This concept is being developed by various air forces worldwide and is seen as crucial for the future of fighter jets.
The tests were carried out by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, Demonstrations and Prototypes organization, and the University of Iowa’s Operator Performance Laboratory. During the tests, human operators assigned targets to AI-controlled jets, which then worked together to defeat mock enemy jets using simulated systems and weapons.
John Clark, vice president of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, highlighted the importance of crewed-uncrewed teaming in advancing air combat operations. The tests focused on AI-controlled air-to-air combat, with AI sending commands directly to aircraft autopilots. This marks the third test of its kind and the first to involve a real-time human battle manager overseeing the AI’s actions.
Lockheed Martin is committed to enhancing crewed-uncrewed teaming to increase operational flexibility, speed up decision-making processes, and improve pilot safety. The successful flight tests demonstrate the potential of this technology in revolutionizing the future of air combat missions.
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