US Air Force begins piloted flights, autonomy tests for modified F-16s

Published Jul 20, 05:08 PM UTC

The U.S. Air Force has initiated piloted flights and autonomy tests for modified F-16s under the Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model (VENOM) program. These aircraft are equipped with additional hardware, software, and instrumentation that allow artificial intelligence agents to fly the plane. A modified F-16 completed a sortie at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, for the 96th Test Wing. The aircraft began flights in June to verify technology integration, and in July began in-air testing with an AI agent autonomously controlling the flight. Pilots remained in the cockpit to monitor the AI agents and ensure test objectives were met. The VENOM program is a joint effort between DARPA and the Air Force under the Air Combat Evolution program, aimed at advancing AI development. The aircraft underwent months of ground testing and simulation hours dating back to 2024. The 40th Flight Test Squadron conducted the early tests.