The XQ-58A Valkyrie experimental aircraft unmanned (drone) of the US Air Force is rocket powered. It can fly a distance equal to the width of China. It has a stealthy design and is capable of carrying missiles that can hit enemy targets far beyond its visual range.
But what makes the XQ-58A Valkyrie experimental aircraft stand out is that flies with artificial intelligence, placing it at the forefront of the US military's efforts to harness the capabilities of an emerging technology whose vast potential benefits are tempered by concerns about how much autonomy a lethal weapon can be granted.
It is essentially a next generation drone. The Valkyrie is a prototype that the Air Force hopes can become a strong complement to its fleet of traditional fighter jets.
Its mission is to use its artificial intelligence and sensors to detect and assess enemy threats. Then, after receiving approval from some human agent, he can kill…
The US Air Force plans to build 1.000 to 2.000 AI drones for as little as $3 million each. “Some will focus on surveillance or resupply missions, others will fly in attack swarms and others will serve as a 'faithful partner' to human pilots.
"The Pentagon's recently revised policy on the use of artificial intelligence in weapons systems allows for the autonomous use of lethal force — but any specific plan to build or develop such a weapon must first be reviewed and approved by a special military committee."
