Artificial intelligence wins over man in simulated aerial dogfight

An artificial intelligence algorithm soundly defeated an experienced U.S. F-16 fighter pilot in a simulation of an aerial dogfight, the Pentagon said.

The event, called Alpha Dogfight Trials, was part of the Air Combat Evaluation program of the Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

Designed to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence in combat situations, DARPA invited teams from eight defense contractors to fly F-16 fighter planes in competitive, simulated combat.

The weeklong competition at the Applied Physics Lab of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore led to the winner facing off against a live, experienced pilot.

Heron Systems, a Maryland-based AI developer, was the last company standing, and on Thursday its algorithm quickly defeated a U.S. Air Force pilot identified only as "Banger" in five rounds of combat, all in less than two minutes.

The dogfights involved simulated speeds of up to 500 mph, 9-G maneuvers and laser beams instead of machine-gun fire.

"There are a lot caveats and disclaimers to add in here," Col. Dan Javorsek, DARPA program manager, said after the event. Heron's AI system had "perfect information," a situational condition fighter pilots never face, and Heron could aim its guns more accurately than the human pilot.

Between rounds, Banger admitted he faced a tough opponent.

"Standard things we do as fighter pilots are not working," he said, noting that at one point he attempted to duck out of the way as the AI plane approached. The enemy plane was able to maneuver around his plane more easily than a human pilot could.

The DARPA program seeks develop AI technology to enhance, and not replace, human combat capabilities, Javorsek said.

It could react more quickly than a human to enemy aircraft actions, for example, and could be used in drone technology. Although drones fly without pilots, they generally still require an on-the-ground operator.

Related Links
Aerospace News at SpaceMart.com

Tweet

Thanks for being there;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.

SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5+ Billed Monthly

paypal only

SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once

credit card or paypal

Navy sends 20th Super Hornet to Boeing for Block III upgrades
Washington DC (UPI) Aug 17, 2020
The 20th U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet entered Boeing's Service Life Modification program for upgrades and extension of use, the company announced on Monday. The SLM program adds a Block III conversion to the plane, in use since 1999, with features including enhanced network capability, added fuel tanks, an advanced cockpit system, signature improvements and an enhanced communication system, according to a press release from Boeing. Each plane's life is extended from 6,000 flight hours t ... read more