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Skunk Works® Demonstrates Airborne Battle Management of AI-Controlled Aircraft

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Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®, along with its Demonstrations and Prototypes organization and the University of Iowa's Operator Performance Laboratory, successfully demonstrated a crewed-uncrewed teaming mission. The test involved a human battle manager aboard an L-39 Albatros commanding AI-controlled L-29 Delfin jets through a touchscreen interface during simulated offensive counter air missions. The AI-controlled aircraft worked collaboratively to defeat mock enemy jets using simulated systems and weapons. This third test builds upon previous experiments in AI-controlled air-to-ground operations, marking the first inclusion of real-time human battle management overseeing AI actions.

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Positive

  • Successfully demonstrated integration of AI-controlled aircraft with human battle management
  • Advanced development in crewed-uncrewed teaming technology
  • Expanded capabilities from air-to-ground to air-to-air combat operations

Negative

  • None.

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IOWA CITY, Iowa, Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (NYSE: LMT), in partnership with Lockheed Martin's Demonstrations and Prototypes organization and the University of Iowa's Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL), showcased a crewed-uncrewed teaming mission where an airborne battle manager issued real-time commands to AI-controlled aircraft through a touchscreen pilot vehicle interface (PVI).

In a series of flight tests, the Skunk Works and OPL teams simulated an offensive counter air mission where an airborne, human "battle manager" aboard an L-39 Albatros assigned targets to two AI-controlled L-29 Delfin jets, which then worked together to defeat two mock enemy jets using simulated mission systems and weapons.

"The work we're doing with the University of Iowa's OPL is foundational for the future of air combat, where a family of crewed and uncrewed systems will work together to execute complex missions," said John Clark, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. "We're excited to leverage our diverse skillsets to advance all elements of this new way of operating."

These flight tests build on previous experiments that demonstrated AI-controlled air-to-ground jamming and geolocation. This year, the tests shifted to AI in air-to-air combat, where AI sends commands directly to the planes' autopilots. This is the third test of this type and the first to include a real-time human battle manager overseeing the AI's actions.

Skunk Works is dedicated to enabling crewed-uncrewed teaming to optimize operational flexibility, abbreviate data-to-decision timelines and improve pilot safety. We continue to invest in collaborative enablers to keep our customers ahead of emerging threats.  

About Lockheed Martin 

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skunk-works-demonstrates-airborne-battle-management-of-ai-controlled-aircraft-302313324.html

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

FAQ

What did Lockheed Martin (LMT) demonstrate in their latest flight test?

Lockheed Martin demonstrated a crewed-uncrewed teaming mission where a human battle manager commanded AI-controlled aircraft through a touchscreen interface during simulated offensive counter air missions.

How many AI-controlled aircraft were involved in Lockheed Martin's (LMT) latest test?

Two AI-controlled L-29 Delfin jets were involved in the demonstration, working together to defeat two mock enemy jets.

What type of aircraft was used for the human battle manager in Lockheed Martin's (LMT) demonstration?

The human battle manager operated from an L-39 Albatros aircraft during the demonstration.

What previous AI capabilities did Lockheed Martin (LMT) demonstrate before this test?

Prior to this test, Lockheed Martin demonstrated AI-controlled air-to-ground jamming and geolocation capabilities.