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Air Force

Air Force Exploring AI Pilots with New Skyborg Concept

By Vivienne Machi

Friday, March 15th, 2019

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Air Force Exploring AI Pilots with New Skyborg Concept

The Kratos-built XQ-58A Valkyrie completed a successful first flight March 6, 2019. (Photo: Air Force)

The Air Force has launched a new program to develop an artificial intelligence “wingman” that would train alongside pilots and perhaps eventually be linked to an unmanned attritable aircraft, the service’s acquisition chief said March 15. The effort, dubbed “Skyborg,” seeks to develop ways to use AI to control low-cost aircraft for use in congested airspace, or to respond to threats more quickly, Will Roper, Air Force Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, first told reporters Wednesday at the…

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