Lockheed Martin Skunk Works unit and the University of Iowa Operational Performance Laboratory (OPL) In a collaborative mission, human pilots and AI-controlled fighter jets worked together. This simulation manned and unmanned aerial vehicles (MUM-T) It was an important test of how teamwork could be conducted in future battles.
Simulation Mission Details
During the mission, a air combat manager pilot, using a touchscreen interface, gave real-time commands to two AI-controlled fighter jets. The mission details were as follows:
- Pilot Aircraft:
- L-39 Albatros, served as air combat manager.
- AI-Controlled Aircraft:
- Two pieces L-29 Delfin, controlled by artificial intelligence.
- Objectives and Scenario:
- AI aircraft were assigned the task of neutralizing two fake enemy fighter jets.
- Successfully neutralized targets using artificial intelligence systems, simulated mission systems and weapons.
Technological Innovations and Systems Used
Pilot Interface (PVI)
The touchscreen interface used during the mission allowed the pilot to give commands to the AI-controlled aircraft. This system:
- It offered the possibility of controlling and directing the tasks of artificial intelligence in real time.
- Optimized communication between human-pilot and AI.
Artificial Intelligence Competencies
Lockheed Martin's AI technologies:
- Mixing and positioning It successfully exhibited features such as.
- Air-to-air combat designed to improve your abilities.
Skunk Works' Vision and Future Plans
Lockheed Martin John Clark, General Manager of Skunk Works, these tests The future of manned-unmanned teamwork Skunk Works' vision is based on three main goals:
- Operational Flexibility: Increasing mission diversity by combining manned and unmanned systems.
- Speeding Up the Decision Process: Increasing operational efficiency through rapid transfer of data and commands.
- Pilot Safety: Reducing risk by prioritizing unmanned systems in dangerous areas.
The Importance of Tests and Their Effects on the Future
Firsts and Innovations
This test was conducted by Lockheed Martin third AI-powered flight simulation In addition to being a standout, it stands out with its following features:
- First Time Human Control: The AI's actions were overseen by a real-time human combat director.
- Focus on Air-to-Air Combat: While previous tests focused on ground attacks, this test simulated air-to-air missions.
Future Areas of Use
- Military Operations: Operations where human-pilot and artificial intelligence teams work together, will prevail in high-risk areas.
- Data Integration: Artificial intelligence will increase the success rate in complex missions by supporting pilots' decision-making processes.
- Cost and Risk Reduction: It will reduce operational costs by reducing the need for manned aircraft to enter risky areas.
A New Era in Human and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration
This test, conducted in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and the University of Iowa, redefining the role of artificial intelligence in modern air combat.
- These missions, in which manned and unmanned systems work in integration, may become standard in future air force operations.
- Artificial intelligence not only controls unmanned systems, but also also plays a critical role in strategic mission planning can undertake.
This innovation, a combat concept that increases pilot safety and operational effectiveness As it opens its doors, it further solidifies Lockheed Martin's leading position in defense technologies.
