Skunk Works demos the future of air combat
Involving AI-controlled aircraft
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has successfully demonstrated the future of air combat by showcasing a crewed-uncrewed teaming mission. In this mission, a human ‘battle manager’ aboard a human-crewed L-39 Albatros aircraft issued real-time commands to AI-controlled L-29 Delfin jets.
The flight test, conducted in collaboration with Lockheed Martin’s Demonstrations and Prototypes division and the University of Iowa’s Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL), marks a significant milestone in autonomous military aviation.
The test simulated an offensive counter-air mission, where the battle manager aboard the L-39 Albatros directed two AI-controlled L-29 Delfin jets to engage and defeat two mock enemy aircraft.
These jets worked seamlessly in coordination, using simulated mission systems and weapons to complete the mission. The integration of AI allows for faster response times and enhanced precision in complex combat scenarios, underlining the potential of autonomous systems in modern warfare.
“The work we’re doing with the University of Iowa’s OPL is foundational for the future of air combat, where a family of crewed and uncrewed systems will work together to execute complex missions,” said John Clark, Vice President and General Manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “We’re excited to leverage our diverse skillsets to advance all elements of this new way of operating.”
The test builds upon previous experiments that demonstrated AI’s ability to control air-to-ground jamming and geolocation, with this latest trial shifting focus to air-to-air combat. In these tests, AI communicates directly with the planes’ autopilots, managing their flight dynamics and mission tasks. This is the third test conducted by Skunk Works and the first to involve a real-time human overseeing the AI’s actions.
Skunk Works is advancing crewed-uncrewed team integration, aiming to optimise operational flexibility, shorten decision-making timelines, and improve pilot safety. The company continues to innovate in this area, investing in collaborative technologies to ensure that military operations stay ahead of evolving threats.
This breakthrough paves the way for future air combat strategies. AI and human pilots work hand-in-hand to complete complex missions, ensuring greater effectiveness and safety for human-crewed and uncrewed aircraft in combat zones.
Hero image: A ‘battle manager’ sends real-time commands to AI-controlled aircraft during a flight test over Iowa. Credit: Lockheed Martin
