Air Force Test Pilot School Launches AI Course

The United States Air Force Test Pilot School has embarked on a new initiative, completing its inaugural “Test of AI and Emerging Technologies” course in partnership with Stanford University and the Department of the Air Force’s Stanford AI Studio. This historic collaboration marks the school’s first major engagement with academia in recent memory and is part of a broader effort to prepare future military test leaders for the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, data-driven systems, and autonomous technologies.

The course, which took place from 13-24 January, was a key component of TPS’s new Data-Driven Test program, a five-week curriculum integrated throughout the year-long Flight and Space Test Courses. By blending classroom instruction, hands-on testing, and industry engagement, TPS is ensuring its graduates remain at the forefront of modern military test and evaluation.

The Data-Driven Test program is designed to equip students with the expertise needed to test and evaluate next-generation autonomous systems, advanced mission capabilities, and data-intensive platforms. As the Air Force accelerates its adoption of Collaborative Combat Aircraft, data-driven kill webs, and advanced simulation environments, TPS is evolving its curriculum to ensure its test professionals are ready to lead in this new era.

“The Air Force Test Center is laser focused on the next era of test, in particular the integration of game-changing capabilities such as AI and machine learning that promise to transform warfighting,” said Col. Maryann Karlen, Air Force Test Center deputy commander. “Through its Data-Driven Test program, TPS is on the leading edge of AFTC’s efforts to educate, research, and integrating AI-driven capabilities across the Air Force and Space Force.”

Over the two-week course, TPS students engaged in an intensive blend of academic instruction, real-world applications, and direct collaboration with industry leaders.