Eglin Air Force Base:California The US Air Force has recently tested an artificial intelligence-powered pilot assistant on its KC-46A Pegasus refueling aircraft. The innovative system, developed by California-based startup Beacon AI, successfully completed five flights, accumulating 20 flight hours over three weeks in August and September. These tests began during the Emerald Flag military exercises at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the AI system, named Murdock, was evaluated under a contract with the Air Force's Air Mobility Command through the AFWERX Tactical Funding Increase program. This initiative followed a previous agreement with US Special Operations Command.

Murdock is designed to enhance pilot operations by collecting data from aircraft avionics, offering real-time assistance and operational information without altering flight-critical systems or assuming control of the aircraft. Beacon AI emphasized the significance of these tests as a step toward integrating AI-powered assistance into operational military aircraft rather than restricting it to dedicated test platforms.

Beacon AI's CEO, Matt Cox, highlighted the importance of progressively introducing this technology into the cockpit, allowing real crews to use it on actual missions. This approach aims to build on the system's current capabilities while expanding them based on operational experience and evidence.

The company further stated that Murdock is specifically designed to support pilots, ensuring that all operational decisions and authority remain with the flight crews. Beacon AI intends to enhance Murdock's functionality across the flight lifecycle, using data and feedback from these operational tests to improve scheduling, flight operations, and post-flight reviews.