Lockheed Martin X-62 VISTA completes autonomous air intercept maneuvers using real sensor data

Published Aug 4, 02:07 PM UTC

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, demonstrated a milestone in airborne autonomy at Edwards Air Force Base. Over eight test flights, the X-62 Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft (VISTA) completed 27 AI-controlled intercept maneuvers against a real T-38 target jet. For the first time, the AI agent used real-time data from an operational sensor—Lockheed Martin's Legion Pod—rather than simulated data. The integration and ground testing of the AI agents took only three months using Skunk Works' 'Supermassive' technology. Officials stated that delegating complex tasks to AI frees pilots for tactical decisions, enhancing effectiveness and survivability. The project is seen as a decisive step toward AI-enabled air superiority, with future plans including a Mission Systems Upgrade to integrate combat systems, sensors, and airborne AI agents in a mesh network.

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