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    Autonomous F-16 program advances with modifications, simulations

    EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

    04.02.2025

    Story by Samuel King Jr.                 

    96th Test Wing

    EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The last F-16 Fighting Falcon set for autonomous aircraft modification landed April 1. The aircraft marked the final F-16 arrival to be part of the Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model – Autonomy Flying Testbed program, also known as VENOM.

    In a hangar nearby, three of those F-16s are in the VENOM modification process. These adjustments involve software, hardware and instrumentation that will eventually allow the autonomy to fly the aircraft.

    A new physical change to the aircraft will be the inclusion of an auto-throttle. This modification allows the autonomy flying VENOM to regulate the flight control surfaces and the thrust.

    “Modifying the aircraft is the result of a rigorous design phase and brings us one step closer to testing autonomy on a fighter jet with real mission systems and capabilities,” said Maj. Trent McMullen, the 40th Flight Test Squadron’s advanced capabilities division chief.

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 04.02.2025
    Date Posted: 04.02.2025 11:30
    Story ID: 494370
    Location: EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, US

    Web Views: 35
    Downloads: 0

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