He reports, “That technology is not quite ready yet, but it’s making very good progress.”
This month, U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall rode in an F-16 modified with specialized artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. Secretary Kendall reported that, in a dogfight simulation against a human pilot, the fight was “roughly even.” He noted that against a pilot with less experience, the automation may have performed better.
The secretary rode as an “agent” who is able to take control of the aircraft, maneuver, or automate engagements.
Secretary Kendall stated, “I was in the front seat and I had a button on my stick where basically I would initiate the automation. Once we were set up at the right visual cues or where the threat was — either in front of us, behind us, or in a meeting engagement — I would hit the stick and we would start to maneuver to a position of advantage and put ourselves in a position to either get away from the other adversary or be able to open fire and engage in.”
He said, “We got to see three different versions of it. They all performed, I think, in a way, which suggests to me personally very strongly, that we’re on the right path, and we’re gonna get to where we’re headed for.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Kendall and USAF personnel as they develop artificial intelligence piloting and maneuvering capabilities.
- For prudence for U.S. military leaders as they implement artificial intelligence technology into combat strategy and exercises.
Sources: Federal News Network, Defense Scoop
