Sky Warriors: Skunk Works® Unveils AI-Powered Airborne Battle Management
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin’s Demonstrations and Prototypes division and the University of Iowa’s Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL), presented a crewed-uncrewed cooperative mission where an airborne battle director provided real-time instructions to AI-driven aircraft via a touchscreen pilot vehicle interface (PVI).
In a sequence of flight evaluations, the Skunk Works and OPL teams emulated an offensive counter-air operation where a human “battle director” airborne in an L-39 Albatros designated targets for two AI-operated L-29 Delfin jets, which subsequently collaborated to neutralize two simulated adversary jets using virtual mission systems and weaponry.
“The efforts we are pursuing with the University of Iowa’s OPL are crucial for the evolution of aerial warfare, where an array of crewed and uncrewed systems will synergize to perform intricate missions,” stated John Clark, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “We’re enthusiastic about employing our diverse capabilities to propel all facets of this innovative operational paradigm.”
These flight evaluations expand upon prior studies that illustrated AI-supported air-to-ground jamming and geolocation. This year, the examinations transitioned to AI in aerial combat, where AI directly transmits commands to the aircraft’s autopilots. This marks the third demonstration of this nature and the inaugural instance incorporating a real-time human battle director supervising the AI’s operations.
Skunk Works is committed to facilitating crewed-uncrewed collaboration to maximize operational adaptability, reduce data-to-decision intervals, and enhance pilot safety. We persist in investing in cooperative technologies to ensure our clients remain ahead of emerging threats.
