BAE Systems’ FAST Labs research and development organization has won a $4 million contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for phase 1 of the Artificial Intelligence Reinforcements program.
The DARPA AIR program is intended to advance dominant tactical autonomy for beyond-visual-range air combat missions, the company said. Autonomy solutions will be developed on F-16 testbeds.
“Generating reliable, consistent air combat performance requires a vast amount of data and rapid, robust testing cycles,” said Michael Planer, scientist and principal investigator at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs.
“Using machine learning, we will train the models used to make dynamic decisions – ensuring that the Artificial Intelligence (AI) pilot is tested and trusted by human pilots.”
Under the AIR contract, BAE Systems will use machine learning to innovate simulation models of existing sensors, electronic warfare systems, and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments. Machine learning techniques will also capture the underlying physics of aerial maneuvers and systems.
BAE Systems will also develop the processes needed to design, test and deliver future iterations of AIR software products.
Work on the AIR program will take place in Arlington, Virginia, and Burlington, Massachusetts.