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X-62 VISTA Fighter

X-62 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 Classified or Not Applicable

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	X-62 VISTA
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin, USAF
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Experimental AI Test Aircraft
Generation	4th Generation
Status	Active Test Platform
First Flight	1988 (VISTA), X-62 upgrade 2022
Introduction / In Service Since	Research Use
Number Built	1
Operators	United States Air Force

Dimensions & Structure

Length	Approx. 49 ft
Wingspan	Approx. 33 ft
Height	Approx. 16 ft
Wing Area	Approx. 300 sq ft
Empty Weight	Approx. 18,900 lb
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	Approx. 42,300 lb
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	Not used

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2
Range	Approx. 2,600 miles
Combat Radius	Not applicable
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft
Rate of Climb	Over 50,000 ft per minute
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	Approx. 1.0
G Limits	+9 G

Powerplant

Engine Type	Afterburning Turbofan
No. of Engines	1
Thrust (each)	Approx. 29,000 lbf
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	Internal F-16 standard

Armament

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

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Test and simulation systems
Radar Range	Classified
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Limited test fit
Targeting System	Digital simulation
Helmet Display	Test compatible
Navigation	INS and GPS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Advanced AI flight control
Communication	Secure USAF datalinks

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Non-stealth
Stealth Features	None
Infrared Signature Reduction	Standard F-16
Sensor Fusion	Software-based testing
Networking Capabilities	Network-enabled testing

Variants

Special Export Versions

AI flight test configuration

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	None
Notable Operators	USAF Test Units
Combat Proven?	No
Mission Types	AI research, flight testing

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	Not for sale
Development Cost	Tens of millions USD
Program Name	VISTA AI Program
Funding Countries	United States

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Ongoing AI software updates
Future Replacement	NGAD test platforms
Export Restrictions	Not exportable
Notable Achievements	First AI flown tactical jet
Competitors	None direct

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

Real-world AI flight testing platform
Based on a proven and reliable F-16 design
Supports rapid software updates
Enhances human-machine teaming research
Reduces risk for future autonomous fighters

CONS

Not combat capable
Single experimental aircraft limits scale
High operating cost
No stealth shaping
Research role only

X-62 VISTA AI Test Fighter Aircraft

The X-62 VISTA is a unique U.S. Air Force experimental aircraft built to test artificial intelligence in real combat-style flight conditions. Based on the proven F-16 airframe, the aircraft serves as a flying laboratory for autonomy, pilot assist systems, and future air combat concepts. It represents a key step in how the U.S. military plans to integrate AI into crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations.

Manufacturer, Origin, and Purpose

The aircraft is operated by the U.S. Air Force and supported by Lockheed Martin and the Air Force Research Laboratory. Originally known as the Variable Stability In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft, VISTA was upgraded into the X-62 configuration to support advanced AI flight control experiments. Its main role is research and development rather than combat deployment.

Capabilities and Technology

X-62 VISTA uses a modified fly-by-wire system that allows engineers to change flight behavior through software. This enables testing of autonomous dogfighting, adaptive control laws, and decision-making algorithms in real time. The aircraft has demonstrated AI-controlled flight in complex air combat scenarios while retaining a safety pilot onboard.

The jet maintains F-16 level performance, including supersonic speed and high agility. It does not carry live weapons during testing but can simulate weapon employment digitally. Its open architecture allows rapid updates and testing of new AI models without redesigning the aircraft.

X-62 VISTA Price in US

The X-62 VISTA is not sold commercially. Program costs are funded through U.S. Air Force research budgets. Estimates place total modification and testing costs in the tens of millions of dollars rather than a per-unit price.

Reviews

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