Aerial Guardians: Skunk Works® Launches Revolutionary AI-Driven Combat Control System

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®, in partnership with Lockheed Martin’s Demonstrations and Prototypes division alongside the University of Iowa’s Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL), showcased a crewed-uncrewed cooperative initiative where an airborne mission director delivered real-time directives to AI-powered aircraft through a touchscreen pilot vehicle interface (PVI).

In a series of flight assessments, the Skunk Works and OPL teams simulated an offensive counter-air operation where a human “mission director” flying in an L-39 Albatros designated targets for two AI-operated L-29 Delfin jets, which then coordinated efforts to neutralize two mock adversary jets utilizing virtual mission systems and armaments.

“The initiatives we are conducting with the University of Iowa’s OPL are vital for the progression of aerial combat, where a spectrum of crewed and uncrewed systems will harmonize to execute complex missions,” remarked John Clark, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “We’re excited about leveraging our diverse capabilities to drive all aspects of this groundbreaking operational framework.”

These flight assessments build upon previous research that showcased AI-assisted air-to-ground jamming and geolocation. This year, the evaluations shifted focus to AI in aerial confrontations, where AI directly communicates orders to the aircraft’s autopilots. This signifies the third demonstration of its kind and the first instance integrating a real-time human mission director overseeing the AI’s operations.

Skunk Works is dedicated to enabling crewed-uncrewed collaboration to enhance operational flexibility, decrease data-to-decision timelines, and improve pilot safety. We continue to invest in collaborative technologies to guarantee our clients remain ahead of emerging threats.