Speaker: Steven Christopher, Research Fellow, International Security Program
Anyone who has seen Top Gun knows that there is no rush like flying fangs out, ripping through the sky, weapons hot, and max-performing a supersonic fighter jet. But is that still effective in combat? Is taxpayer money funding human thrills?
In this seminar, Steven “Teflon” Christopher will reveal research that challenges current Pentagon norms and recommends removing the human from the F-47 cockpit to save billions of taxpayer dollars while being more lethal and survivable. Teflon will show that the financial benefits are estimated to be about $1.25B in annual savings from AI-ing the F-47 alone, let alone secondary and tertiary aircraft. He will also discuss the tactical advantages, such as increased stealth, maneuverability, weapons payload, and range—all critical for the air power challenges in the Pacific. Lastly, Teflon will provide mitigation techniques for the following six primary critiques of this technology: trust, unexpected scenarios, legality, quantum computing, communications, and high-power microwave threats.
This research directly contradicts prevailing air power doctrine which argues that humans must inhabit fighter cockpits, suggesting a need to revisit foundational air power assumptions. It demonstrates that unshackling the F-47 from human pilots will truly enable the Pentagon to achieve next-generation air dominance at a fraction of the cost.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed or implied in this seminar are those of the presenter and should not be construed as carrying the official sanction of Harvard University, the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, International Security Program, Department of War, Air Force, or other agencies or departments of the U.S. government.
Admittance is on a first come–first served basis. Tea and Coffee Provided.
