AI fighter jet versus human pilot and remembering a Stratojet flying UNDER a bridge
An AI powered F-16 takes on a human pilot and remembering a B-47 flying under a bridge in Michigan
“For good or for ill, air mastery is today the supreme expression of military power and fleets and armies, however vital and important, must accept a subordinate rank.”
-Winston Churchill
Mission Briefing
It finally happened—an AI-piloted fighter plane has clashed with a human pilot in the skies, not just virtually but in an actual high-stakes aerial dogfight. At the heart of this battle were two nimble F-16 fighter jets, marking a groundbreaking moment in the history of aerial combat and military technology. But before we delve into the intense details of this unprecedented dogfight, let's pause and consider: Is AI reshaping the future of combat aviation?
This event isn't merely a milestone for military technology; it represents a significant leap in AI's integration into critical roles across various sectors. Just last year, AI advancements were making headlines with tools like ChatGPT that started by enhancing everyday tasks such as writing emails or composing poetry. Now, AI’s capabilities have expanded dramatically, taking on roles once deemed exclusive to humans, such as engaging in aerial dogfights.
Let’s explore the implications of this AI vs. human pilot dogfight for the future of the Air Force and what it means for pilots. We’ll also examine why the F-16 was the chosen jet for this test, the government agency spearheading these efforts, and why, whether we're ready or not, AI's influence in our lives is here to stay.
The journey to this AI-driven dogfight began a few years ago under the Alpha Dog Fight Trials. AI was trained using data from actual dogfights, similar to how chess programs like IBM's Deep Blue utilize past game data. This training allowed the AI to recognize patterns, make tactical decisions, and develop its combat strategies through machine learning. Initially dominating in simulators, the real challenge was replicating this success in the actual sky, leading to the use of a specially modified F-16, known as the X62 VISTA—a Variable In Flight Simulator Test Aircraft.
Between December 2022 and September of the last year, the Air Combat Evolution program conducted 21 test flights at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Each flight granted the AI more autonomy, progressing from defensive maneuvers to offensive tactics, and ultimately engaging in direct dogfight scenarios. The two jets operated within 2000 feet of each other at combined speeds of up to 1200 miles per hour, testing the AI’s and the pilot's capabilities to their limits.
Why the F-16?
Choosing the F-16 as the test bed for this AI fighter project was no coincidence. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the F-16 was the first jet to employ fly-by-wire technology, which uses computer inputs to execute the pilot's commands, making it a precursor to today's AI applications in aviation. Designed to be slightly unstable to enhance maneuverability, the F-16 requires continuous computer-assisted adjustments to remain airborne—a perfect match for demonstrating AI's potential in combat scenarios.
Furthermore, with the F-16 designed to withstand forces up to 9Gs, it underscores the extreme physical demands on human pilots, which AI pilots could potentially endure more sustainably, leading to more prolonged, aggressive maneuvers without the human limitations.
DARPA's Role
Behind this revolution in AI-driven aerial combat is DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), an entity that has been at the forefront of technological innovation since its inception in 1958. DARPA's involvement assures that this isn’t just a fleeting experiment but a significant shift towards integrating AI in military strategies, potentially redefining future combat operations.
Conclusion
As we conclude today's exploration into AI's role in modern aerial combat, the integration of AI into the F-16 not only showcases what the future of military aviation might look like but also signals a pivotal shift in combat dynamics. These successful AI-human dogfights at Edwards Air Force Base illustrate just how advanced AI has become, capable of executing complex, high-speed maneuvers that push the boundaries of traditional combat roles.
This evolution brings forth a mix of excitement and concern, prompting us to rethink the ethical, strategic, and operational aspects of AI in combat. While the prospect of AI-piloted fighter jets offers new tactical advantages, it also challenges us to maintain human oversight in combat decisions, ensuring that technology serves to enhance, not replace, human judgment in critical scenarios.
Thank you for joining me on this insightful journey into one of the most significant advancements in military technology. As AI continues to evolve, so will its impact on our strategies and approaches to warfare. Until next time, keep your eyes on the skies—the future is unfolding above us.
This week in aviation history
24 April 1959: Daring Skies: The Tale of Captain John Stanley Lappo
Imagine the cool, rushing air and the vast, open skies that beckon the brave. Now picture Captain John Stanley Lappo, a pilot of the United States Air Force, steering his large Boeing RB-47E Stratojet not through, but under the grand Mackinac Bridge. This wasn't just any bridge, but a colossal suspension bridge that serves as the vital link between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan, where the mighty Great Lakes of Michigan and Huron meet.
Why, you might ask, would a seasoned pilot perform such a heart-stopping stunt, flying a massive jet with a height of 28 feet, a mere 75 feet above the water, under a bridge with a vertical clearance of 155 feet? Captain Lappo's response was as poetic as it was bold: “Why do men climb mountains? Or what motivates them to go into space? It’s just a sense of adventure that some men have and some don’t... I’ve always wanted to fly under a big bridge. I thought it would be the Golden Gate."
This thrilling feat, however, was not without consequences. Returning to Lockbourne Air Force Base after an overnight simulated bombing mission, Lappo faced the music for his audacious act. His navigator reported the incident, leading to charges for violating an Air Force regulation that prohibited flying below 500 feet. At his court-martial, Lappo, standing tall, pleaded guilty. The court fined him and issued a reprimand, and the commanding general ordered his permanent removal from flight status.
Yet, John Lappo was not just any pilot. His career was as distinguished as it was dramatic. From enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1943, flying transport missions post-World War II, to critical bombing runs in the Korean War aboard the iconic Boeing B-29 Superfortress, Lappo's dedication to flying was unwavering. He even married the love of his life, Olive Kay Robinson, amidst his service commitments.
Despite the setback under the Mackinac Bridge, Lappo's legacy continued to soar. He undertook clandestine reconnaissance missions over the USSR, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, and eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, even serving in pivotal roles during the Vietnam War and at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska before his retirement in 1972.
Captain John Stanley Lappo's story is a powerful testament to the spirit of adventure and the unyielding desire to push boundaries—both personal and professional. It's a tale that reminds us of the thin line between audacity and ambition, a narrative that will continue to inspire those who look to the skies and dream of flying beyond the horizon.
In case you missed it
Here’s an aircraft that liked to fly low level:
Photo Outlet
The Super Hornet Blue Angles put on a quite a show, no matter how many times I see and photograph them, they always amaze me:
Post Flight Debrief
That’s all for this week, thanks for reading! If you know a fellow aviation enthusiast that would enjoy these weekly newsletters, then please forward this along. If you’d like to directly support my efforts, check out my shop:
Now you know!
-Tog