Digital Event Horizon
Lockheed Martin's latest innovation has the potential to revolutionize flight testing and operational aircraft performance with its advanced Smart Adaptive Flight Control Environment (SAFE). This cutting-edge technology enables real-time reconfiguration and corrects control errors using AI and machine learning. With its bolt-on capability, SAFE is set to redefine the boundaries of autonomous flight systems.
The Smart Adaptive Flight Control Environment (SAFE) is a revolutionary technology that enables aircraft to adjust their flight control behavior in real-time while airborne. The X-62A Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft (VISTA) serves as one of the world's premier flying test beds for autonomous flight systems. SAFE enables real-time reconfiguration, vastly accelerating the testing process and minimizing downtime with advanced sensors and displays. The system utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to produce a learn-to-fly capability that can correct control errors in real-time. SAFE boasts a bolt-on capability, expanding its potential applications and increasing its marketability across various autonomous aircraft.
Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works has made a groundbreaking breakthrough in the field of autonomous flight systems, unveiling a revolutionary new technology that enables aircraft to adjust their flight control behavior in real-time while airborne. The company's latest innovation, dubbed the Smart Adaptive Flight Control Environment (SAFE), has far-reaching implications for the military and aviation industries.
At the heart of this technological marvel lies the X-62A Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft (VISTA), a highly advanced and specially modified F-16D Block 30 Peace Marble Il aircraft that serves as one of the world's premier flying test beds for autonomous flight systems. The X-62A was originally designed by the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California, with its purpose being to utilize the VISTA Simulation System (VSS), developed by Calspan, and Lockheed Martin's Model Following Algorithm (MFA) and System for Autonomous Control of the Simulation (SACS) to provide the fighter aircraft with the ability to conduct complex flight tests of autonomy and AI technologies.
One of the most significant features of this cutting-edge system is its capacity for real-time reconfiguration. Unlike traditional systems that require a full restart or landing, SAFE enables the X-62A to shift to a new iteration in mere seconds, vastly accelerating the testing process while minimizing downtime. This capability is made possible by advanced sensors and Getac tablet displays installed in both the forward and aft sections of the cockpit.
Moreover, the SAFE system utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to produce a learn-to-fly capability that can correct control errors in real-time. In its latest version, this feature employs online learning, allowing the system to continuously improve its performance without the need for extensive retraining or data updates. Furthermore, SAFE boasts a bolt-on capability that enables the system to be quickly installed in a wide variety of autonomous aircraft, expanding its potential applications and increasing its marketability.
The impact of this innovation cannot be overstated. According to Jeff Hakes, director of Revolutionary Air Vehicles, Emerging Concepts and Technologies at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, "The SAFE system has the potential to revolutionize flight tests, operational aircraft performance, and safety." By harnessing the power of AI and machine learning, SAFE is poised to redefine the boundaries of autonomous flight systems, enabling pilots to focus on high-level decision-making while the aircraft takes care of the mundane tasks.
In conclusion, Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works has unveiled a game-changing technology that will transform the way we approach flight testing, operational performance, and safety. The Smart Adaptive Flight Control Environment (SAFE) represents a significant leap forward in the development of autonomous flight systems, and its potential applications extend far beyond the military and aviation industries.
Related Information:
https://newatlas.com/military/skunk-works-vista-real-time-flight-control-adjustments-x62a/
Published: Thu Oct 17 02:12:05 2024 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
