Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has joined forces with the University of Iowa's Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL) to demonstrate the practical application of artificial intelligence (AI) in air-to-air intercept scenarios. The recent successful flights represent a significant milestone for Skunk Works'...
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Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has joined forces with the University of Iowa's Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL) to demonstrate the practical application of artificial intelligence (AI) in air-to-air intercept scenarios.
The recent successful flights represent a significant milestone for Skunk Works' Tactical AI team. During these flights, AI systems directly piloted and executed tactical maneuvers alongside OPL's L-29 Delfin jets, responding to heading, speed, and altitude commands. The team conducted simulated-to-real transfer tests, evaluating the AI agent's performance against virtual adversaries in both offensive and defensive situations.
Each flight included eight test cases, covering a range of scenarios from standard head-to-head engagements to off-aspect encounters, missile support, and missile defeat simulations. Notably, the AI agent demonstrated seamless transfer of learned behaviors from simulation to live flight, displaying intentional and decisive actions.
"This was the first live exercise of the new flight interface; it's thrilling to see the separate components successfully integrate on the L-29 to demonstrate new capabilities. The complete system performed even better in live flight than in simulation," said Dr. Tom "Mach" Schnell, OPL professor at Iowa Technology Institute.
"Live flight tests are a crucial aspect of advancing our expertise in AI and autonomy. These flights are powerful demonstrations of our ability to quickly and affordably develop and test operationally relevant AI capabilities," said Matthew "Gabe" Beard, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works autonomy/AI and machine learning engineering manager.
Lockheed Martin plans additional flight tests throughout the year. These tests will expand in complexity, introducing more aircraft into offensive counter air and battle management scenarios. The company remains committed to enhancing AI mission performance within operationally representative simulated environments, adhering to open mission systems standards for compatibility and future platform integration.
The company's AI and machine learning solutions enhance human performance by processing and analyzing vast data volumes, providing actionable intelligence and strategic advantages. The company maintains alignment with the U.S. Department of Defense's ethical guidelines for safe use of autonomous systems, ensuring that humans retain decision-making authority in Lockheed Martin's AI systems.
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