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Military

Fighter Pilot Controls Drone From Cockpit in Test

Company is experimenting with autonomous and AI-driven drone integration.

Zach Vasile
Verified
Edited By: Travis Tingle
F-22 Raptor
F-22 Raptor [Credit: U.S. Air Force]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and the U.S. Air Force successfully tested technology enabling a fighter pilot to control an uncrewed drone in flight.
  • During the test, an F-22 Raptor pilot used a cockpit interface to command a UAS to execute a specific mission profile.
  • This represents a significant advancement in air combat, allowing single-seat aircraft to command and control drones with simple, intuitive interfaces.
  • Lockheed Martin has heavily invested in autonomous and AI-related technology to integrate drones with advanced fighter jets like the F-22 and F-35.
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Lockheed Martin’s advanced development arm Skunk Works and the U.S. Air Force have successfully tested technology that allows fighter pilots to control a drone while in flight.

During a recent flight out of Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, an F-22 Raptor pilot used a pilot vehicle interface (PVI) in the cockpit to send control directions to an uncrewed aerial system (UAS), Lockheed said.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

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