Advanced Upgrades for Experimental Aircraft
The United States Air Force is currently implementing significant enhancements to its X-62 VISTA experimental aircraft, equipping it with modern radar and sophisticated mission systems. These improvements aim to broaden the platform's capacity for conducting complex evaluations of artificial intelligence technologies.
Mission Systems Modernization
According to a recent announcement from Edwards Air Force Base in California, the X-62 VISTA (Variable Stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft) is undergoing comprehensive mission systems modernization. This heavily modified F-16D test aircraft features upgraded avionics and serves as a crucial platform for testing advanced aerospace technologies, particularly autonomous flight capabilities in recent years.
The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, operating under Edwards' 412th Test Wing, will install upgrades enabling the X-62 to incorporate advanced radar and sensor integration. These enhancements will push the aircraft into more challenging scenarios and facilitate real-time evaluation of AI systems integration, collaboration, and decision-making processes.
"As the Air Force expands its exploration of integrating autonomy into air and space operations, the X-62 is the bridge between the historical human-centered approach and tomorrow's integration of uncrewed combat aviation," stated Air Force Test Pilot School Commandant Col. Maryann Karlen. "The mission systems upgrade enables X-62 to continue the journey in developing breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and autonomy."
Radar Technology Integration
A key component of this upgrade involves the installation of Raytheon's advanced PhantomStrike radar system. Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX, described PhantomStrike as an air-cooled, compact fire-control radar that is "smaller, lighter and requires less power than modern AESA radars."
The company noted that PhantomStrike could be integrated into various platforms including uncrewed aerial vehicles, light attack aircraft, and rotary wing aircraft, providing "superior radar capability at nearly half the cost of typical fire control radars."
Autonomous Capabilities Development
The X-62's autonomous capabilities complement other Air Force investments in autonomy, such as the Viper Experimentation and Next-Generation Operations Model (VENOM) experiments. In September 2023, the Air Force collaborated with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to conduct the first-ever dogfights between a human pilot and an AI-piloted jet, using the X-62 for this groundbreaking experiment.
In April 2024, officials from both organizations indicated that data collected from these successful dogfighting tests could assist the Air Force in refining plans for collaborative combat aircraft—drone wingmen designed to fly alongside manned fighters and execute missions including air-to-air combat.
Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall expressed confidence in the X-62's autonomous flying capabilities in April 2024, subsequently visiting Edwards Air Force Base to experience a flight as a passenger in the AI-piloted aircraft.
These enhancements were made possible through investment from the Pentagon's Test Resource Management Center, supporting continued advancement in military aviation technology.
