Overview
- The Air Force said Dec. 19 that the X-62 VISTA has begun a Mission Systems Upgrade at Edwards Air Force Base to expand autonomy trials.
- Upgrades will integrate advanced radar, additional sensors and onboard autonomy processing so AI agents can perceive the environment, control sensors and act in real time.
- Raytheon reported its compact PhantomStrike AESA radar is slated for integration on the X-62, a company statement that supplements the Air Force announcement.
- The radar effort follows an August 2024 RFI calling for an air‑cooled AESA under 200 pounds with air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground modes, unclassified operation and sub‑two‑minute startup, preceded by a May 2025 industry day.
- The work builds on prior AI flights and DARPA/Air Force dogfight demonstrations, with safety pilots retaining independent authority to disengage autonomy during tests.