US Air Force prepares to test uncrewed F-16 VISTA in challenging scenarios
The X-62 VISTA flies from the Hill Air Force Base, Utah. (Photo: US Air Force)
Th mission systems upgrade of the X-62 VISTA variant of the F-16 will allow the air force to evaluate the jet in more demanding environments.
The US Air Force (USAF) is conducting a mission systems upgrade (MSU) of the F-16 purpose-adapted for the X-62 Variable Stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA) programme. The improvements added to the testbed platform will enable the service to conduct uncrewed trials in more challenging scenarios.
As part of the MSU, the USAF Test Pilot School (TPS) is currently working on expanding the jet capabilities to provide better infrastructure for autonomy testing.
Funded by the branch’s Test Resource Management Centre, this stage involves advancing radar and sensor integration to prepare the VISTA’s artificial intelligence (AI) capacities to increase collaboration
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
-
![Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms]()
Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms
The manufacturer is betting heavily on the demand for uncrewed systems, revealing the uncrewed H145M – known as the U145 – and the U760 Ravenstorm at ILA Berlin 2026 as the two latest additions to its expanding UAV offering.
-
![FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?]()
FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?
While the New Generation Fighter pillar of the Franco-German-Spanish programme is now officially dead in the water, Germany’s ambition to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet remains – with the country serving as a financially attractive potential partner for other programmes.
-
![Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)]()
Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)
The French-made aircraft is lining up potentially huge orders in Asia, with the latest F5 platform designed to keep the jet relevant in the modern battlespace until the 2040s.
-
![France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market]()
France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market
France is estimated to be Europe’s second-highest spender on UAVs, with a market focused on domestic production, loitering munitions and lower-cost sovereign systems. Its spending profile highlights substantial future market opportunities while reflecting broader industry trends.
