T-7A Red Hawk (351 jets + 46 simulators) achieved first LVC integration in Sep 2025 — linking simulator with live jet 130+ miles away. DARPA ACE proved AI dogfighting with 21 test flights of AI-controlled X-62A. These programs set the standard all future training systems must meet.
T-7A Aircraft
Simulators
L3Harris Contract
Visual System Resolution
September 2025: Boeing linked T-7A ground simulator with live USAF jet operating 130+ miles away. First-ever real-time LVC connectivity for T-7A. 360-degree visual enclosure with 8K projection. December 2025: first USAF instructor pilots completed initial T-7A training. L3Harris $91.5M for mission-management processors shared between aircraft and training system. LVC interoperability is now a demonstrated requirement, not aspirational.
AI-controlled X-62A VISTA F-16 engaged manned F-16 in dogfight maneuvers (Sep 2023). 21 test flights with daily AI retraining between flights. Sim-to-live in under 3 years. Validates RL agents trained in synthetic environments transfer to physical platforms. Future implications: AI adversaries replace scripted OPFOR, autonomous red air supplements aggressor squadrons, training environments become AI development platforms.
DARPA ACE: AI dogfight in live F-16
21 test flights, first autonomous air combat demonstration
T-7A LVC integration breakthrough
Simulator linked to live jet 130+ miles away in real-time
First USAF instructor pilots trained on T-7A
Transition from T-38 to T-7A begins
IVAS stripped from Microsoft
$22B contract restructured
Anduril SBMC $159M award
EagleEye prototypes Apr-Jun 2026