US major aerospace and defence group Lockheed Martin announced, from the world-renowned Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) in the US State of California on Tuesday, that the VISTA X-62A research and development (R&D) aircraft had recently been flown by an artificial intelligence (AI) “agent” for more than 17 hours. This was the first time an AI had “engaged” on a tactical aircraft. VISTA is an acronym for Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft. The X-62A is a modified F-16D tactical fighter (which is the two-seat version of the F-16C) and was originally redesignated as the NF-16D. Its further redesignation to X-62A signalled its role as a dedicated R&D aircraft, of national importance. The modified aircraft was developed by Lockheed Martin’s famous Skunk Works, jointly with US science and technology company Calspan.
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