AI Flies X-62 VISTA in 27 Autonomous Air Intercepts

The US Air Force and Lockheed Martin recently completed a series of flight tests called "HAVE HEAT" involving the X-62 Variable In-stability Flight-test Simulator Aircraft (VISTA) ^[1]. During these trials, an artificial intelligence agent successfully executed 27 autonomous intercepts of airborne targets ^[2]. The system relied on live data from on-board infrared sensors to guide the aircraft during the maneuvers ^[3].

The AI agent managed the flight controls to engage targets without direct human intervention during the intercept phases ^[1][2]. These tests are part of a broader effort to integrate machine learning into tactical aviation ^[3]. Officials noted that using real-time sensor data is a significant step toward developing reliable autonomous wingmen for future combat scenarios ^[1][2].