Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall is preparing to embark on a pioneering and innovative journey—a unique opportunity to fly in an autonomously-piloted F-16 as part of the service’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. This initiative is poised to revolutionize the Air Force’s approach to combat missions and operations.
The F-16s will undergo modifications at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida to test autonomous technology and software as part of the VENOM (Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model – Autonomy Flying Testbed) project. These modifications will involve equipping the jets with advanced autonomy capabilities while continuing to have human pilots in the cockpit during test flights. Kendall will be on board for an upcoming flight to witness firsthand how the autonomous technology functions, with a pilot alongside him to monitor the proceedings.
During a recent budget hearing, Kendall expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the progress made in the development of autonomous technology. The project aims to advance the capabilities of both manned and unmanned aircraft, paving the way for a new era in aerial combat.
The VENOM project has attracted attention for its potential to reshape the future of aerial warfare. The substantial investment made by the Air Force in this technology underscores its commitment to maintaining a leading position in military innovation. The planned integration of unmanned, autonomous drones with manned fighters like the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aircraft indicates a strategic shift towards more integrated combat operations.
Furthermore, the CCA program is poised to evolve, with the initial focus on expanding the offensive capabilities of the unmanned systems. These systems are expected to enhance sensor and weapon deployment, strengthening the efficiency and survivability of crewed stealth aircraft. By leveraging uncrewed systems as force multipliers, the Air Force aims to increase its deterrence capabilities against potential adversaries.
In terms of production, Kendall emphasized the importance of cost management, aiming to maintain the price of CCA aircraft significantly lower than that of the F-35. This meticulous approach reflects the Air Force’s commitment to maximizing the impact of its investments while ensuring cost-effective solutions.
The upcoming flight of the autonomously-piloted F-16 represents a significant milestone in the Air Force’s journey towards integrating cutting-edge technology into its operations. As the program continues to progress, it is poised to usher in a new era of aerial combat, with autonomous systems playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of military aviation.