A New Era in Testing: USAF TPS Partners with Stanford and Silicon Valley for AI and Emerging Technologies Course

The United States Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS) is initiating a significant advancement in military training by completing its first-ever course titled "Test of AI and Emerging Technologies." This course is conducted in partnership with Stanford University and the Department of the Air Force’s Stanford AI Studio. This partnership signifies a new chapter as the school engages with academic institutions to prepare military test leaders for a future influenced by artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous technologies.

The inaugural course ran from January 13 to January 24 and is a vital part of TPS’s newly established Data-Driven Test program. This program spans five weeks and is woven into the year-long Flight and Space Test Courses. Through a combination of classroom learning, practical testing, and interactions with industry professionals, TPS aims to ensure its graduates remain capable of addressing the challenges of modern military test and evaluation.

Preparing Test Leaders for the Future of AI in Defense

The Data-Driven Test program is crafted to provide students with the skills necessary to evaluate next-generation autonomous systems and data-intensive platforms. As the Air Force moves towards more sophisticated technologies like Collaborative Combat Aircraft and advanced simulations, TPS is updating its curriculum to meet these new demands.

According to Col. Maryann Karlen, Deputy Commander of the Air Force Test Center, "The Air Force Test Center is laser-focused on the next era of testing, especially the integration of revolutionary capabilities such as AI and machine learning that can change how we approach warfighting." The Data-Driven Test program exemplifies TPS's commitment to education and research that fosters AI-driven capabilities throughout the Air Force.

A Curriculum Blending AI Theory with Hands-On Application

Throughout the two-week course, students at TPS participated in a comprehensive program that included academic lessons, practical applications, and collaboration with industry experts.

During the first week, students attended classes at Stanford University, where Dr. Marco Pavone led discussions on core principles of AI and machine learning. They studied various topics such as autonomous systems, robotic perception, and decision-making algorithms, along with practical coding exercises using robotics to compare AI-driven automation to traditional control methods.

In the second week, the students traveled to Silicon Valley for visits with prominent companies like NVIDIA, Autodesk, Skydio, and Lockheed Martin Space. These experiences provided insights into how AI and new technologies are reshaping aerospace development, reinforcing the collaboration between education and defense that has been pivotal since Silicon Valley's inception.

Beyond the Course: AI in Flight, Space, and Mission Systems

The engagement with Stanford and Silicon Valley is only the beginning. The Data-Driven Test program continues with its curriculum, focusing on flight sciences, space systems, and mission technologies throughout the year.

• Flight and Space Sciences: Students create reinforcement learning algorithms based on neural networks applicable to real-world flight tests.
• Mission Systems: AI and machine learning are integrated into advanced exercises related to sensing, electronic warfare, and radar detection.
• Capstone Projects: Students lead projects utilizing the X-62 fighter's autonomy testbed and the Joint Simulation Environment to develop AI-driven combat agents for realistic scenarios.

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Military Test & Evaluation

The inclusion of Stanford University and Silicon Valley technology into TPS's programs reflects a new evolution in the longstanding relationship between the military and academia. This partnership continues a legacy that began in the 1960s with the development of the Aerospace Research Pilot School, a precursor to astronaut training, ensuring that TPS remains a leader in flight testing as AI transforms warfare.

The Stanford AI Studio played a crucial role in this initiative, led by Col. Jason Hansberger and Maj. John Alora. They facilitate connections among defense sectors, academia, and industry to propel AI solutions into real Air Force capabilities, directly impacting the course’s design.

A Lasting Impact on Military Test & Evaluation

The successful launch of the Test of AI and Emerging Technologies course is a critical shift in TPS's curriculum. Future cohorts will benefit significantly from this approach, aligning with the Air Force's modernization goals by preparing graduates to test and validate AI-driven autonomous systems essential for future combat strategies.

Col. James Valpiani, TPS Commandant, stated, "By focusing our curriculum on AI and data-driven testing methods, TPS is ensuring our graduates are at the forefront of military technological advancements." As data-driven technologies evolve, TPS will continue to utilize the Data-Driven Test program to enhance the Department’s testing capabilities for future innovations.

In summary, initiatives like the Data-Driven Test program enable TPS to maintain its 80-year tradition of cultivating exceptional test leaders, ensuring that the Air Force remains competitive in an ever-changing landscape of warfare.

USAF, AI, Stanford, testing, innovation