The US Air Force has confirmed the first successful dogfight between an AI fighter jet and a human piloted aircraft.
The military combat was carried out in line with an Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program that was launched in 2019.
It was between a human piloted F-16 and the X-62A VISTA (Variable In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft) above Edwards Air Force Base, California last September.
Footage released by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) shows the two jets maneuvering through the sky around each other, practicing various combat operations with each flying at speeds of up to 1,200 miles per hour.
“Things are progressing as well or faster than we had hoped. But unfortunately, we can’t provide more detail”. Lt. Col. Ryan Hefron, the program manager for DAPRA said.
In a press conference, Secretary of the US Air Force Frank Kendall said that the reality for autonomous air-to-air combat is being achieved.
“The potential for autonomous air-to-air combat has been imaginable for decades, but the reality has remained a distant dream up until now.
“In 2023, the X-62A broke one of the most significant barriers in combat aviation.
“This is a transformational moment, all made possible by breakthrough accomplishments of the X-62A ACE team”. He said.
DARPA and the US Air Force Test Pilot School will continue testing the AI, which will provide lessons for future tests and programs.