For several years, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory has been training AI pilots.
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While the bulk of the training has taken place in simulators, where millions of virtual test flights can be conducted in a day, the algorithm recently flew “a successful three-hour sortie” in the real world, at the Eglin Test and Training Complex.
The AI pilot flew the XQ-58A Valkyrie, “a low cost, high performance unmanned air vehicle… built at a cost that permits it to be a combat loss.” The idea is that the Valkyrie would be sent to fly dangerous missions, sparing actual pilots and expensive fighter craft.
“This long range aircraft is designed for high speeds and agile maneuverability, enabling it to perform a variety of missions. It is runway-independent, offering maximum operational flexibility to the warfighter.”
As for the “runway-independent” bit, the Valkyrie is launched from a mobile rocket platform, and later recovered by parachute.
Here’s the Air Force explaining the benefits of having AI fighter pilots:
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Source: core77