In the near future, artificial intelligence will be an assistant person in almost all spheres of life, and the military affair is no exception. The Department of Perspective Research Projects of the US Department of Defense (DARPA) initiated the AIR COMBAT Evolution (ACE) program in 2019. After preparation, active activity on it turned last year. Last Thursday, the Office published on its website (unavailable from Russia without a VPN) a peculiar report on the work done, as well as a short video.
The main goal of the whole project is to develop ways to integrate artificial intelligence in unmanned combat aircraft. They will play the role of assistants for manned fighters and will take routine tactical tasks. On the shoulders of man, in turn, will lay out strategic planning of battle: the adoption of high-level attack or protection decisions, as well as the implementation of the main mission. Approximately what the Loyal Wingman project is created ("faithful slave") and similar systems.
As the Interesting Engenering portal writes, at the time of publication of the report, the ACE program was almost in the middle of the first phase. Darpa specialists managed to successfully accomplish many important stages:
- The very first simulations passed back in August last year: F-16 fighters struck by artificial intelligence alone, using only one type of weapons. In recent virtual battles, they received more weapons and began to work simply, two against one. These complications are very important, because the AI now has to choose between the types of weapons (guns - small range and greater accuracy, rockets are a large range, but less selective) depending on the set of parameters, including the safety of its application for a partner.
- Simulations began to include both the battle on the distance of direct visibility and beyond. Also, artificial intelligence had to deal with different types and numbers of both opponents and allies.
- To evaluate the prospects for the interaction of a person with AI, flew on equipped with special tools of the plane. The pilot received from a special information about the environment and instructions to actions, and the set of sensors assessed how much a person trusts this testimony, as well as how many resources and time he spends on their check.
- Darpa specialists conducted a large amount of preparatory work at one of the AERO L-39 Albatros training and training aircraft allocated for the needs of the ACE program. This board is to be in 2023-2024 to become the first fully manageable IA aircraft in the third phase of the project. But how exactly some systems are integrated into it, it is not yet known, so the upgrade will fail soon.
The first phase of ACE should end at the end of the year. The decisive moment will be the transition from computer simulations to the flights of large-scale aircraft models. Their management trust with artificial intelligence, and during testing it must confirm the ability to effectively and safely act in conditions approximate to real.
The third, final stage will be the introduction of all developments in this Technology Demonstrator - the aforementioned experimental L-39. In a couple of years, with its help, real educational air battles with the participation of people and artificial intelligence will be held. Another extremely important goal of the third phase Ace will study and debug interactions between alive pilots and robots.
Source: Naked Science