Imagine a fighter jet that can not only fly, but think for itself, making split-second decisions. That incredible future is getting closer, thanks to the U.S. Air Force’s X-62 VISTA – a highly modified F-16D test aircraft pioneering artificial intelligence in the skies.
This experimental jet is undergoing a significant mission systems upgrade at Edwards Air Force Base. These latest enhancements will equip the X-62 with advanced radar and sensor integration, allowing it to tackle increasingly complex scenarios. The ultimate goal? To evaluate how AI systems can integrate, collaborate, and make real-time decisions, paving the way for the next generation of uncrewed combat aviation.
A major part of this vital upgrade includes Raytheon’s innovative PhantomStrike radar. This compact, air-cooled fire-control radar is remarkably smaller, lighter, and more power-efficient than current systems, while also being significantly more cost-effective. It’s perfectly suited for autonomous aircraft, giving the X-62 the ‘eyes’ and ‘brain’ it needs to operate intelligently and effectively.
The X-62 VISTA isn’t just a standalone project; it’s a cornerstone in the Air Force’s larger vision for advanced autonomy. It famously participated in the historic first-ever AI vs. human dogfights in September 2023, generating crucial data for developing future ‘drone wingmen’ – collaborative combat aircraft that will fly alongside piloted fighters. Even former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall experienced its impressive capabilities firsthand, taking a ride in the AI-piloted jet earlier this year.
As the Air Force continues its rapid journey into autonomous air and space operations, the X-62 VISTA is truly the bridge to tomorrow, developing breakthroughs that will fundamentally reshape air warfare and define the future of flight.
