X-62 VISTA Autonomous Flight

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X-62 VISTA Autonomous Flight

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The X-62 VISTA (Variable Stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft) is an experimental F-16D Fighting Falcon modified for autonomous flight testing and AI pilot development. Originally designated NF-16D and redesignated X-62A in June 2021, the aircraft has been upgraded with the System for Autonomous Control of Simulation (SACS) as part of the Skyborg program, enabling it to operate as an autonomously piloted aircraft. The X-62A is operated by the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base and maintained by Calspan. On April 18, 2024, the USAF and DARPA announced the successful engagement of the X-62A against a conventional, human-piloted F-16 in the first-ever human vs. artificial intelligence dogfight. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall III subsequently stated he would trust the AI with the ability to launch weapons, and the Air Force announced plans for more than 1,000 AI-controlled warplanes operating by 2028. Shield AI has been involved in developing AI autonomy stacks that have been integrated with these autonomous flight test programs, contributing to the advancement of AI-powered fighter pilot capabilities. The aircraft features multi-axis thrust vectoring (MATV) enabling supermaneuverability beyond normal stall limits, and the VISTA simulation system allows it to mimic the flight characteristics of various aircraft for pilot training and autonomous systems testing.

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