Autonomous drone tests by Skunk Works: towards better human-machine integration for managing unmanned aircraft.
Lockheed Martin, via its Skunk Works division, recently tested the integration of autonomous aircraft piloted by artificial intelligence (AI) in simulated missions. These tests aim to define how manned aircraft will be able to command autonomous drones in complex operations. A pilot in an L-39 Albatros piloted two AI-equipped L-29 Delfin aircraft in an air combat simulation, using a touch-sensitive interface. This research meets the needs of the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.
L-29 delfin tests: drones simulated in real-life conditions
Lockheed Martin used two autonomous L-29 Delfin aircraft, equipped with artificial intelligence, to simulate drones in aerial combat. The tests took place in unspecified US airspace, due to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restrictions on unmanned flight. The autonomous aircraft received real-time instructions via a touch-sensitive interface, enabling rapid and intuitive management of operations.
The choice of AI to pilot these aircraft stems from the limitations of virtual simulation. Although digital environments are advanced, flight tests enable crucial data to be collected on how systems behave in real-life conditions. The tests included simulated offensive missions, where the L-29 Delfin aircraft, under human supervision, worked in coordination to intercept simulated enemy targets.
Why test manned platforms?
Using piloted aircraft as substitutes for autonomous UAVs is a pragmatic solution. It speeds up testing while guaranteeing greater safety thanks to the presence of a pilot. By 2023, global spending on autonomous drone testing was estimated at over 5 billion euros, reflecting the growing importance of this technology in defense programs.
Piloted or controllable aircraft, such as the L-29 or L-39, are already part of military research in the USA. Their flexibility means that AI systems can be adapted rapidly, while complying with FAA regulations. In comparison, full unmanned drones require specific infrastructures, increasing operational costs by 20% to 30%.
Human-machine integration: a technological challenge
One of the main objectives of the trials is to develop effective tactile interfaces so that pilots can control the drones. However, technical challenges remain. The tablets used to control drones can be perceived as an additional burden for pilots. According to a study by General Atomics, a pilot managing a complex mission with a tablet experiences a 15% drop in efficiency, due to difficulties in coordinating between tasks.
To overcome these problems, Lockheed Martin is exploring other options, including more intuitive integrated systems. These technologies must also meet the needs of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which calls for the implementation of autonomous UAV fleets capable of a variety of missions, including combat.
Economic and strategic impact
Recent tests demonstrate the importance of autonomous drones in future conflicts. However, the cost of their development remains high. The US Air Force’s CCA program will require a budget of several tens of billions of euros over the next decade, a sum difficult to reconcile with other strategic priorities, such as the modernization of manned aircraft fleets.
The introduction of autonomous drones also raises logistical issues. The US Air Force will have to set up suitable bases, train specialized technicians, and invest in infrastructure to enable rapid maintenance. These investments could increase costs by 25% compared with current fleets.
The trials carried out by Skunk Works mark an important stage in the integration of autonomous drones into the armed forces. Collaboration between humans and machines, while promising, still requires technological and organizational advances. These efforts are aimed at meeting the needs of modern combat, where coordination between manned and autonomous aircraft will play a central role in military strategies for decades to come.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.