Declassified footage released by the Department of Defense shows the experimental X-62a Vista autonomously flying in formation with an F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-22 Raptor over Southern California. This video was provided to us courtesy of the United States Air Force and the 412th test wing.

For the flight nerds out there, the X-62a Vista is an experimental aircraft used by the United States Air Force to develop advanced AI and autonomous capabilities currently. It was initially used to rapidly develop systems like Direct Voice Input and the "Virtual HUD" that are currently in use on the F-35 Lightning II. It's first flight was in 1992, and the system is a joint venture between General Dynamics and Calspan for the USAF.

The jet itself is a modified version of the F-16D Block 30 Peace Marble Il aircraft that is fitted with expansive avionics, and it is currently being used to develop a "skyborg" system that will allow for autonomous flight operations. There are three other aircraft currently in this program, and those are the UTAP-22 Mako, Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie, and MQ-20 Avenger UAV system.

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Josh Brooks

Josh is an American writer and former USMC machine gunner with eight years of experience in ground combat arms throughout the GWOT. He is currently based in Texas and specializes in combat footage analysis and digital marketing.Follow Josh at OfficialJoshBrooks.com