VENOM program progresses to piloted flights, autonomy tests

An F-16 Fighting Falcon modified for the Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model – Autonomy Flying Testbed (VENOM) program conducts flight operations during autonomous systems testing June 2026 at Eglin Air Force Base. The VENOM F-16s serve as modified airborne test platforms equipped with specialized hardware, software, and instrumentation designed to enable artificial intelligence agents to pilot the aircraft while human pilots remain in the cockpit to monitor the AI agents and ensure flight and mission systems test objectives are met to rapidly evolve autonomous capabilities. (U.S. Air Force Imagery by Samuel King Jr.)

PHOTO BY: Samuel King Jr.
VIRIN: 260626-F-OC707-3004.JPG
FULL SIZE: 1.57 MB
Additional Details

CAMERA

NIKON Z 8

LENS

NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR

APERTURE

8

SHUTTERSPEED

1/2000

ISO

400

IMAGE IS PUBLIC DOMAIN

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