Tiger Check: Automating the US Air Force Fighter Pilot

by Steven A. Fino

Synopsis

Tiger Check examines the evolution of automation in U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft and how it has transformed the role of fighter pilots. Steven A. Fino, a former Air Force pilot and historian, explores how technological advancements have shifted pilots from being hands-on aviators to system managers who rely on increasingly sophisticated automation.

The book traces this transformation from the early days of air combat—where intuition and manual flying skills were crucial—to modern fighter jets like the F-22 and F-35, which integrate advanced automation for navigation, weapons targeting, and flight control. Fino discusses the benefits and limitations of these technologies, analyzing how they have reshaped air combat tactics and pilot training.

Through historical case studies and firsthand accounts, Tiger Check provides insights into the psychological and operational challenges faced by pilots adapting to high-tech systems. It also raises critical questions about the future of air combat, including the balance between human decision-making and artificial intelligence in military aviation.

Ultimately, the book explores whether the increasing reliance on automation enhances or diminishes the effectiveness of fighter pilots in modern warfare.