What is US Air Force DARPA ACE Program: First Successful AI Dogfight in Aerospace

In a groundbreaking achievement, DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program has achieved a historic milestone with the successful completion of the first-ever in-air tests of AI algorithms autonomously flying an F-16 in combat scenarios against a human-piloted F-16.

This transformative progress in human-machine teaming and trusted autonomy marks a pivotal moment in aerospace history, with far-reaching implications for military and civilian applications. 

Conducted at the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California, the ACE program demonstrates the capability of AI-controlled aircraft to engage in within-visual-range combat, commonly known as “dogfighting.” 

The specially modified F-16 test aircraft known as the X-62A, or VISTA (Variable In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft), AI algorithms controlled the aircraft, engaging in within-visual-range combat scenarios with human-piloted F-16s.

DARPA’s efforts to integrate AI into aerospace operations began in December 2022, as part of the ACE program’s mission to develop autonomous AI systems capable of safely and effectively piloting fighter jets. These efforts culminated in successful dogfight tests in September 2023, where the AI-controlled X-62A faced off against a human-piloted F-16.s

During the tests, human pilots were onboard the X-62A with the ability to disable the AI system if necessary, although DARPA reports that this safety measure was not required. Both aircraft engaged in high-aspect nose-to-nose engagements, reaching speeds of up to 1,200 miles per hour and demonstrating the effectiveness of AI-controlled combat maneuvers..

Bill Gray, chief test pilot at the Air Force’s Test Pilot School, emphasized the significance of these tests in advancing autonomous AI systems in aviation. He stated, “Dogfighting was the problem to solve so we could start testing autonomous artificial intelligence systems in the air. Every lesson we’re learning applies to every task you could give to an autonomous system.”

As the ACE program continues its testing through 2024, DARPA remains at the forefront of AI innovation in aerospace. These advancements raise questions about the future of AI in military applications and highlight the need for ethical considerations and safety protocols in the development and deployment of autonomous systems.

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