The first such flight in history. The US military tested an AI combat drone
The US military has tested an experimental AI-guided drone. Artificial intelligence was fully responsible for the flight of the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone. The military announced a great success and are already planning the development of the project.
The Americans proudly announced the successful tests of a drone controlled by artificial intelligence. The AI was able to steer the machine without the involvement of a human pilot. The unmanned craft of considerable size easily stayed in the air for many hours. This is the first case of this type in history.
The phenomenon XQ-58A Valkyrie – is a drone piloted by AI
The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is responsible for the XQ-58A Valkyrie test. Preparations for the experiment lasted four long years and combined the achievements of the Skyborg Vanguard and Autonomous Aircraft Experimentation (AAx) military programs.
The test flight was finally conducted in late July at a training complex located at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The Valkyrie drone took off, escorted by an F-15E Strike Eagle. The latter was already driven by a human. The three-hour training session went smoothly.
AI the future of military aviation
The assumption is that the Valkyrie drone is to act as the so-called loyal wingman. It is about supporting human pilots who will receive a “subordinate” in the form of an automatic drone.
Artificial intelligence itself is to be used to create the so-called AI agents for military operations. In the future, computer-controlled machines are to be fully autonomous, i.e. perform combat missions assigned to them without the slightest human intervention.
What’s more, the AI will constantly develop its skills. Even before its maiden flight, the AI model used in the XQ-58A Valkyrie had trained “millions of hours” in simulators. And this is just the beginning, because the experience in maneuvering and ground-to-air and air-to-air operations will be transferable to other combat systems currently being developed in the US military.
