The US Air Force and DARPA organized a new simulation with F16s. For the first time in history, the X-62A aircraft (known as the unmanned F16) faced off against a piloted F16. The AI managed to defeat the pilot in the dogfight simulation.
AI F16 defeats pilot in dogfight
An interesting test was conducted as part of DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program. The artificial intelligence embedded in the X-62A was pitted against an experienced F-16 fighter pilot. According to statements, the AI aircraft completed the calculation faster to give the pilot the first shot.
While the pilot adhered to real-world safety rules while maneuvering, the AI flew with more precision. This meant it could kill the pilot at the first opportunity. The X-62A was seen to have the ability to observe, steer, decide and move much faster than the human pilot throughout the conflict, known as the OODA cycle.
The AI’s situational awareness and reaction time were also said to be successful. This allowed it to gain a tactical advantage and emerge victorious from the dogfight simulation.
This test shows that AI can not only fly autonomously, but can also take part in highly complex battles such as dogfights. According to DARPA, this could replace pilots if properly developed and implemented.
DARPA also stated that the goal of the ACE program is not to develop autonomous combat aircraft. The organization wants to understand how artificial intelligence can cooperate with human pilots. This cooperation will be used in aviation missions such as inspecting oil pipelines or inspecting power lines.