EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The U.S. Air Force recently demonstrated human-machine teaming during an autonomous collaborative platform, or ACPs, test alongside crewed fighters.
The 96th Test Wing’s 40th Flight Test Squadron executed the XQ-58A Valkyrie test with pilots managing ACPs in simulated combat situations.
These autonomous aircraft are designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft, providing affordable capabilities that can operate semi-autonomously in high-risk environments and marked another step towards their integration into air combat.
"This test with ACPs directly addresses the evolving requirements of modern warfare and the needs articulated by our warfighters," said Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Air Combat Command commander.
"We are committed to innovation and integrating ACPs through these kinds of demanding, operator-driven evaluations that allow us to learn rapidly and enhance our human-machine teams. This approach is fundamental to sharpening our combat capabilities, maintaining air superiority and ensuring we can effectively support the joint force in complex future environments,” he added.
This effort, supported by the Defense Department’s Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve program and the U.S. Navy, demonstrates a joint approach to capability development that is responsive to operational needs.
"With this flight, we mark a crucial step in developing capabilities that harness human-machine teaming to overcome complex threats and expand our advantages," said Brig Gen. Jason E. Bartolomei, Air Force Research Laboratory commander. "By developing and integrating autonomous platforms with manned systems, we can quickly adapt, increase combat effectiveness and reduce risk to our aircrews in contested environments."
Data from the test will inform future development and deployment of semi-autonomous capabilities across the DOD.