In a groundbreaking moment, the United States has initiated the pursuit of answers to one of the most intriguing questions of our time: who triumphs in the battle between man and machine?
Remarkable details have emerged of a historic dogfight between the world’s first-ever AI-controlled warplane and a human-piloted jet, with both aircraft hurtling through the skies at speeds reaching 1,200mph.
The astonishing test witnessed an AI-powered modified F-16, known as the X-62A, pitted against its human-piloted counterpart. Engaging in a thrilling aerial encounter, both formidable jets went “nose-to-nose” as they grappled 2,000ft above the ground, according to officials.
Conducted by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in collaboration with the US Air Force, the tests sought to unravel the extent of artificial intelligence’s sophistication.
Although the results of these intense air battles remain classified, the experiments aimed to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of autonomous fighter jets. Furthermore, officials were keen to gauge the readiness of AI-powered military aircraft to operate effectively in complex warfare scenarios.
Over the course of the project, spanning from December 2022 to September 2023, a total of 21 test flights were conducted.
Lt. Col. Maryann Karlen, deputy commandant of the test pilot school, provided insights into the operation in a captivating video detailing the historic dogfight. She elaborated, “In September, we actually took the X-62 and flew it against a live manned F-16. We built up in safety using the maneuvers – first defensive, then offensive, then high aspect nose-to-nose engagements where we got as close as 2,000 feet at 1,200 miles per hour.”
