US Air Force DASH 2 experiment compares AI and human judgement for battle accuracy and speed
The two-week DASH 2 event brought together operational warfighters, industry and developers. (Photo: Deb Henley/US Air Force)
In August, the US Air Force (USAF) carried out its second Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-Machine Teaming – DASH 2 – at an unclassified location in Las Vegas.
The experiment was led by the USAF’s Advanced Battle Management System Cross-Functional Team, alongside the Air Force Research Lab’s 711th Human Performance Wing, the Integrated Capabilities Command and the 805th Combat Training Squadron.
Its initial results showed that machines produced conflict recommendations in less than 10 seconds and created 30 times more options than human-only teams.
In terms of speed, two vendors each generated more than 6,000 solutions for around 20 battlefield problems in just one hour.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
Optimism remains for GCAP and FCAS future despite programme stumbling blocks
Both sixth-generation combat aircraft programmes are still awaiting major key decisions from respective governments with regards to funding or future direction, but industry and governmental officials remain optimistic of progress going forward.
-
SOF Week 2026: AFSOC unveils deployable Block II OA-1K Skyraider II
AFSOC has revealed a new Block II variant of the OA-1K Skyraider II featuring rapid deployment and reassembly capabilities designed to support expeditionary special operations missions.
-
British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system
The UK MoD said it would narrow down the competitors from four to two later in the year, with those selected going on to develop the prototype drone that will operate as loyal wingman to the British Army’s Apache AH-64E helicopters.
-
UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity
The UH-60M is the latest variant of the UH-60, a workhorse multirole helicopter that continues to attract further orders from across the globe. With further modernisation upgrades underway, the platform is expected to remain in operation until 2050.