U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School Demonstrates AI‑Autonomous X‑62 VISTA Intercepts

The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base completed two parallel flight‑test programs on the X‑62 VISTA aircraft in April 2026. The “HAVE HEAT” program used an AI agent to process live infrared sensor data from a Lockheed Martin IRST pod and autonomously direct the X‑62 to intercept a crewed T‑38 trainer, achieving 27 successful AI‑controlled intercepts over eight flights. A second effort, “HAVE HOLIDAYS,” integrated a third‑party autonomous agent into the aircraft’s Open Mission System and evaluated safety protocols to keep the AI within operator‑defined limits.

Lt. Col. Joshua Strafaccia, dean of faculty for research at the Test Pilot School, said the tests demonstrate rapid experimentation capability and a step forward in AI‑driven mission autonomy for future combat aircraft. The programs were conducted by a combined team of military, government, and contractor engineers and were completed within three months, showcasing the X‑62’s capacity for fast integration of advanced autonomy technologies.