DARPA Now Has AI-Controlled F-16s Working As A Team In Virtual Dogfights

So far, ACE has demonstrated advanced virtual AI dogfights involving both within-visual-range (WVR) and beyond-visual-range (BVR) multi-aircraft scenarios with simulated weapons, plus live flying using an instrumented jet to measure pilot physiology and trust in AI. Throughout the ACE program, which began last year, DARPA has stressed the importance of establishing human pilots' trust in AI, allowing it to conduct the actual combat maneuvers while the human concentrates on overarching battle management decisions. The process of "capturing trust data" has seen test pilots fly in an L-29 Delfin jet trainer at the University of Iowa Technology Institute's Operator Performance Laboratory. This aircraft has been adapted with cockpit sensors to measure the pilot's physiological responses, giving an insight into whether or not the pilot trusts the AI. In these missions, the L-29 has been flown by a safety pilot in the front seat, who makes flight control inputs based on AI decisions.