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X 62A VISTA Fighter

X 62A VISTA Fighter

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4th Generation Based Platform
Maximum Speed Mach 2
No. of Engines 1
Radar Range Simulated and test dependent

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	X 62A VISTA
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin, Calspan
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Experimental AI Test Aircraft
Generation	Fourth Generation
Status	Active
First Flight	1988 (as VISTA)
Introduction / In Service Since	2022 (designated X 62A)
Number Built	1
Operators	US Air Force Test Pilot School

Dimensions & Structure

Length	49 ft (14.9 m)
Wingspan	32 ft 8 in (9.96 m)
Height	16 ft (4.9 m)
Wing Area	300 sq ft
Empty Weight	Approx 19,200 lb
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	Approx 42,300 lb
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	None

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2
Range	Approx 2,000 miles
Combat Radius	Not applicable
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft
Rate of Climb	Approx 50,000 ft per minute
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	Approx 1.1
G Limits	+9 G

Powerplant

Engine Type	Pratt and Whitney F100 Turbofan
No. of Engines	1
Thrust (each)	Up to 29,000 lbf
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	Internal, F 16 standard

Armament

Gun	None
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	Simulated only
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	Simulated only
Bombs	Simulated only
Hardpoints	None
Payload Capacity	Not applicable

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Simulated radar environment
Radar Range	Test dependent
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Experimental and simulated
Targeting System	Virtual targeting systems
Helmet Display	Test pilot helmet systems
Navigation	INS and GPS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Advanced AI autonomy
Communication	Secure USAF data links

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Standard F 16 level
Stealth Features	None
Infrared Signature Reduction	Limited
Sensor Fusion	Software based
Networking Capabilities	Network centric test architecture

Variants

Special Export Versions

AI autonomy and flight control test variant

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	None
Notable Operators	USAF Test Pilot School
Combat Proven?	No
Mission Types	AI testing, autonomy research

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	Not publicly disclosed
Development Cost	US government funded R and D
Program Name	VISTA, ACE
Funding Countries	United States

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Expanded AI combat and autonomy trials
Future Replacement	None planned
Export Restrictions	Not for export
Notable Achievements	First AI controlled air combat tests
Competitors	None

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Proven F 16 airframe with known performance
Real world testing of AI flight systems
Supports rapid software experimentation
Enhances pilot training and autonomy research
Direct relevance to future US fighter programs

CONS

Not a combat capable aircraft
Very limited production numbers
High operating and test costs
Classified systems limit public data
Role restricted to experimental use

X 62A VISTA AI Test Fighter Jet

The X 62A VISTA is one of the most important experimental aircraft in the US Air Force inventory. Designed as a flying laboratory, it plays a central role in testing artificial intelligence, autonomy, and next generation combat flight software under real world conditions.

Developed from a modified F 16D airframe, the X 62A VISTA, which stands for Variable In flight Simulator Test Aircraft, is operated by the US Air Force Test Pilot School in partnership with DARPA. The aircraft allows rapid switching between traditional pilot control and AI driven autonomy while airborne, a capability that sets it apart from conventional fighters.

Role and Capabilities

The primary mission of the X 62A VISTA is to evaluate advanced flight control laws, autonomous combat maneuvers, and human machine teaming concepts. In recent tests, the aircraft has successfully flown using AI agents during beyond visual range scenarios, demonstrating how future fighters may cooperate with pilots rather than replace them.

The jet retains the performance of the F 16 platform, including supersonic speed, high G maneuvering, and long range operations. It is not intended for combat deployment and carries no live weapons. Instead, it uses simulated sensors and virtual weapons to safely test complex air combat scenarios.

Technology and Operational Use

The aircraft features a software defined avionics architecture, allowing engineers to upload new AI models quickly. Its open systems design supports experimentation with autonomy, sensor fusion, and adaptive decision making. Lessons learned from the X 62A VISTA are expected to influence future programs such as Collaborative Combat Aircraft and Next Generation Air Dominance.

X 62A VISTA Price

As an experimental platform, the X 62A VISTA has no commercial sale price. Program costs are covered through US Air Force and DARPA research budgets, with individual aircraft values estimated in the tens of millions of dollars based on F 16 conversions and specialized avionics.

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