US Military’s Experimental Flight Raises Concerns

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has grown in popularity. Vacuum cleaners, cars, writing programs, and a variety of other forms of technology can function independently. The United States military recently revealed that it used AI technology to pilot a fighter jet.

In mid-February, Lockheed Martin issued a press release announcing it flew its “one-of-a-kind training aircraft,” Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft (VISTA) X-62A, using an AI agent for more than 17 hours. The test flight took place in December at the US Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California. It was the first time the technology was “engaged on a tactical aircraft.”

The aircraft, according to the defense contractor, is a “modified F-16D Block 30 Peace Marble Il aircraft upgraded with Block 40 avionics.” Lockheed Martin has used artificial intelligence (AI) for decades to “maximize performance, safety, and situational awareness” for its customers. The company believes that the technology will be a significant advancement for the Air Force in the future.

According to Fox News, there were pilots on board the plane at all times during the flight in case something went wrong. Throughout the tests, four distinct AI algorithms were in command of the jet. The Department of Defense had the aircraft practice takeoffs, landings, and multiple simulated combat missions during the experiment.

The military hopes that the tests will allow them to advance their agenda of protecting American troops. If a jet can be flown without a pilot on board, the number of Air Force members forced into direct combat during a war could be reduced.

Though technological advancements are always welcome in the military, this will almost certainly be met with criticism. There is an entire movement against remote-controlled drones. These are small unmanned aircraft capable of carrying lethal payloads. Consider the potential damage an unmanned fighter jet could cause.

RELATED ARTICLES

Top Biden Diplomat Steps Down Suddenly

President Joe Biden proposed Karen Donfried for the position of assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs months after he...

James O’Keefe Returns After Sudden Departure

James O'Keefe, the founder and chairman of Project Veritas, was placed on paid leave by the board of directors, according to a...

US Citizen Abducted 6 Years Ago Freed

Jeffery Woodke, a Christian aid worker from the United States, was kidnapped by Islamic militants in Niger in October 2016. The US...

Here’s When John Fetterman Could Be Released From the Hospital

During the 2022 Democratic primary for the Pennsylvania Senate seat, then-Lt. Governor John Fetterman had a stroke. Despite needing weeks to recover...

First State to Ban Transgender Individuals From Using Public School Bathroom of Choice

Arkansas Gov Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a law prohibiting transgender people at public schools from using the restroom that matches their gender...

CNN Crew Robbed While Reporting on Woke City’s Rampant Crime

While covering the city's escalating violence, a CNN crew was mugged in San Francisco. On Friday, CNN journalist Kyung...

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…

LATEST POSTS ON THE DAILY ELEPHANT

Most Recent

US Citizen Abducted 6 Years Ago Freed

Jeffery Woodke, a Christian aid worker from the United States, was kidnapped by Islamic militants in Niger in October 2016. The US...

KJP Buckles After Doocy Grills Her Over China – Linked Payments To Biden Family

Journalist Peter Doocy questioned White House Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday over the Biden family's connection to a Chinese energy firm. KJP...

Top Biden Diplomat Steps Down Suddenly

President Joe Biden proposed Karen Donfried for the position of assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs months after he...

First State to Ban Transgender Individuals From Using Public School Bathroom of Choice

Arkansas Gov Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a law prohibiting transgender people at public schools from using the restroom that matches their gender...

James O’Keefe Returns After Sudden Departure

James O'Keefe, the founder and chairman of Project Veritas, was placed on paid leave by the board of directors, according to a...

CNN Crew Robbed While Reporting on Woke City’s Rampant Crime

While covering the city's escalating violence, a CNN crew was mugged in San Francisco. On Friday, CNN journalist Kyung...