Flying Solo: How AI is Redefining Air Combat Without the Human Touch

4/28/24

Editorial team at Bits with Brains

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into military aviation is transforming air combat and reconnaissance and will mark a significant shift in how aerial missions are conducted.

Autonomy in aviation and space exploration has evolved rapidly, with expert-coded systems and machine learning (ML) playing significant roles. Expert-coded systems, established since aviation's inception, operate on robust, predefined rules. However, the dynamic nature of aviation environments often outstrips these systems' capabilities, necessitating advancements in ML.

Here are two recent advancements and applications of AI focusing on two major allied programs: the Australian Loyal Wingman program and the U.S. Air Force's Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program.

The Australian Loyal Wingman Program

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), in collaboration with Boeing Australia, has developed the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that represents a significant leap in military aviation. Known as the Loyal Wingman, this UAV is designed to operate both independently and alongside crewed aircraft, enhancing the capabilities of the latter by performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as tactical early warning operations.

The development of the Ghost Bat, which is the first military combat aircraft designed and manufactured in Australia in over 50 years, underscores a major investment in autonomous systems. The Ghost Bat has a length of 11.7 meters and a wingspan of 7.3 meters, and it is capable of a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles at subsonic speeds.

The aircraft features artificial intelligence that enables it to maintain safe operational distances and execute complex mission parameters autonomously. The program has not only bolstered the RAAF's operational capabilities but also stimulated the local economy by creating high-tech jobs and involving over 55 Australian companies.

As of early 2024, the program is on track, with the RAAF planning to integrate these aircraft into service between 2024 and 2025.

U.S. Air Force's ACE Program

Parallel to Australia's efforts, the U.S. Air Force, in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has made its own strides with the ACE program. This initiative focuses on integrating AI into combat aircraft to enhance their operational capabilities. A notable achievement under this program is the successful testing of the AI-controlled Lockheed Martin X-62A VISTA in dogfights against human-piloted F-16s.

The program has deployed ML agents in simulated and real-world settings, including dogfights and control of the X-62 aircraft. These agents, trained through simulations, have adapted to complex aerial tactics and have been tested in real-world scenarios without breaching safety norms.

The AI demonstrated superior combat capabilities by executing maneuvers with precision and speed that are challenging for human pilots to match. This test not only proved the effectiveness of AI in enhancing combat tactics but also highlighted the potential of AI pilots to reduce the risks to human pilots by performing high-risk maneuvers in challenging environments.

The U.S. Air Force is also observing Australia's progress with the Loyal Wingman Program to inform its own development of collaborative combat aircraft.

Strategic and Ethical Implications

The integration of AI into military aviation is not just about enhancing operational capabilities; it also involves significant strategic and ethical considerations. Both the Loyal Wingman and ACE programs emphasize that while AI can dramatically improve efficiency and effectiveness, critical decisions, especially those involving weapons engagement, should remain under human control.

This approach addresses the ethical implications of AI in combat scenarios, ensuring that the technology augments human decision-making rather than replacing it. Moreover, the strategic advantages of AI pilots include cost benefits, as they are cheaper to deploy and maintain compared to human pilots, and can operate under conditions that would be risky for humans.

Future Prospects and Challenges

It seems inevitable that as AI technology continues to evolve, its integration into various military systems is likely to accelerate. This presents both opportunities and challenges. The key challenge will be balancing technological advancements with ethical considerations and strategic oversight to ensure that AI serves as a force multiplier rather than a replacement for human judgment and expertise.

The successful implementation of AI in military aviation, as demonstrated by the Australian Loyal Wingman and the U.S. ACE programs, represents a pivotal moment. These programs not only enhance the capabilities of air forces but also redefine the role of fighter pilots and the future of air combat.

Sources:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_MQ-28_Ghost_Bat

[2] https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/loyal-wingman-unmanned-aircraft/

[3] https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/australia-pours-400m-into-loyalty-wingman-drone-programme/

[4] https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/02/09/australia-ghost-bat-program/

[5] https://www.airforce.gov.au/our-work/projects-and-programs/ghost-bat

[6] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2024-02-09/albanese-government-invests-further-400-million-next-generation-loyal-wingman-drone

[7] https://www.defenseadvancement.com/news/ace-program-aims-to-transform-ai-in-aerospace/

[8] https://thedebrief.org/darpas-groundbreaking-ace-program-and-x-62a-becomes-first-ai-controlled-jet-to-dogfight-against-manned-f-16-in-real-world/

[9] https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2023-02-13-VISTA-X-62-Advancing-Autonomy-and-Changing-the-Face-of-Air-Power

[10] https://www.boeing.com/defense/mq28

[11] https://www.arnold.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3744975/usaf-test-pilot-school-and-darpa-announce-breakthrough-in-aerospace-machine-lea/