Air Force uses AI on military flight for first time to pilot plane
Another milestone for the A.I. takeover of mundane jobs like flying. It's only the co pilot for now!
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Putting AI safely in command of a U.S. military system for the first time ushers in a new age of human-machine teaming and algorithmic competition," Will Roper, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics, said in a statement Wednesday. "Failing to realize AI's full potential will mean ceding decision advantage to our adversaries."
The U-2 was flown by a human pilot identified by the Air Force with only their call sign, "Vudu," a major assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base in California.
The AI algorithm, dubbed ARTUµ in a reference to "Star Wars" droid R2-D2, was responsible for sensor employment and tactical navigation, according to an Air Force news release.
"Though lacking those lively beeps and squeaks, ARTUµ surpassed its motion picture namesake in one distinctive feature: it was the mission commander, the final decision authority on the human-machine team," Roper wrote in an op-ed for Popular Mechanics published Wednesday.
Comments
What I find amazing about this is that they are still flying the U2, a plane that was first flown 65 years ago. The skunk works must have done a good job. Bob
On what? The Plane or integration of The A.I. I think the B-52 is the longest service Plane still in inventory and flying. 69 years.
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Both. Adapting a 21st century technology to a mid 20th century 65 year old design. Like this AI prototype today, the U2 airframe was also a new concept 65 years ago. If you ignore the Terminator connotations, having only non living entities in danger flying in a hostile environment can be a good thing. The performance of future aircraft can be enhanced exponentially if you can do without all the restrictions placed on them for pilot survivability. Oxygen, ejection seats, human GForce limitations all become things of the past. Sounds scary and it will probably be the new arms race but it is better to be ahead in this race than playing catch up. Bob
Im sorry Dave, i cant let you do that.
Open the pod bay door, HAL!
Dang it you guys! I said Terminator not 2001!
In other words, " I'll be back " 😁 Bob
We have had the technology for years to do pilot-less take-offs and landings as well as point-to-point flights.
The airlines says people will not buy tickets.
Just like rearward facing seats - proven much more survivable but people don't like them.
The automated landing software on the F18 was so good, the only circumstance it was allowed to be used was when the pilot was injured or otherwise disabled.
If it were to be used any time except for an emergency, the tailhook would wear a hole in the flight deck because no matter what the aircraft carrier was doing, it would land in the exact same spot.
That was 20yrs ago....
A.I. in a fighter... watch "Stealth"
Now you will see how advance technology will be a curse to humanity. Artificial Self-awareness of a man made machine.
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