We're driving interoperability and maximizing autonomy to deliver the right effects at the right time. The engineers and scientists at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® have been working behind the scenes for decades to advance state of the art autonomous systems for air and ground missions. Leveraging Open Mission Systems Architecture and Universal Command and Control Interface (OMS/UCI) as our baseline, we are able to rapidly integrate transformative autonomous technologies and deliver more flexible, resilient, and collaborative capabilities to our customers.
Capabilities across the battlespace are enhanced through connectivity and software in a true family of systems approach with 21st Century Security® solutions that enable the rapid exchange of information between sensors and shooters, agnostic to the platform or system, delivering a decisive advantage in an age of growing threats.
X-62A VISTA
Built on Lockheed Martin open systems architecture, The X-62A Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft (VISTA) is an artificial intelligence AI pathfinder that allows us to correlate the development and test of cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques with new uncrewed vehicle designs.
VISTA serves as the centerpiece of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program, a “speed of relevance” effort to provide R&D for autonomous efforts across a wide variety of Air Force missions.
ECHOS
The Enhanced Collaborative High-Frequency Orientation System (ECHOS) is a cutting-edge program where the Skunk Works team is developing AI for air-to-air missions.
In partnership with the University of Iowa’s Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL), we’ve conducted multiple flight tests that demonstrate AI for air-to-air intercepts and other critical missions.
MDCX™
The Multi-Domain Combat System provides uncrewed vehicle autonomy, mission planning, and command and control capability in an operationally proven, multi-level secure package.
It offers an extensible, multi-platform solution for interoperable uncrewed control requirements in a scalable, reconfigurable and modular nature.
AAIR
The Autonomous AI-Enabled InspectoR (AAIR) system is poised to transform the visual inspection process by leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to enhance safety for maintainers while modernizing inspection methods and driving down costs, without compromising quality.
AAIR represents a significant leap forward in inspection capabilities, reducing the need for manual inspection processes, minimizing the risk of human error or injury, enhancing overall efficiency, and delivering actionable insights with repeatable accuracy.
Auto-GCAS
High-speed fighter aircraft maneuvers can produce g-forces strong enough to render a pilot unconscious or cause spatial disorientation. The pace and complexity of modern aerial combat can also mentally “overload” a pilot and lead to task saturation or target fixation. All can prove deadly.
The Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS) was purpose-built to prevent these deadly crashes and has already been credited with 12 saves —13 pilots, 12 F-16s — since the system entered service with the U.S. Air Force in late 2014.
We’re collaborating with our customers and industry partners to advance critical AI/ML and autonomy technologies to enable air dominance mission capabilities, outpacing emerging threats and delivering true 21st Century Security® solutions.
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (NYSE: LMT) partnered with the University of Iowa's Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL) to demonstrate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in air-to-air intercept scenarios.
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (NYSE: LMT) joined the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and other government and industry partners in hosting U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall to fly in the X-62A Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft (VISTA), a one-of-a-kind aircraft modified to test artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy capabilities.
The 96th Test Wing and 53rd Wing welcomed the first three F-16 Fighting Falcons ready to take part in the Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model – Autonomy Flying Testbed program.