The flight, executed on 25 July 2023, marks a significant leap forward in the field of autonomous flight and showcases the potential of AI to revolutionize modern air combat operations. The UAV demonstrate cognitive abilities in steering, navigating the skies and participating in air-to-air and air-to-surface missions. The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Autonomous Air Operations (AACO) team has been working on this algorithm for the last two years, enabling the AI algorithm to learn, adapt and make real-time decisions based on available data.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie is an unmanned tactical aircraft by Kratos Defence & Security Solutions, Inc. This UAV is designed to operate in challenging environments, and now, with the inclusion of AI. AI-enabled autonomy on board has the potential to revolutionize the way air missions are carried out, making them more efficient, effective and safe, the US Air Force AFRL wrote in its broadcast. The F-15E Strike Eagle from the 96th Test Wing’s 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin AFB flew in formation with XQ-58A.
