US Air Force Unveils First Video of XQ-67 Drone Prototype in Flight.

The US Air Force has released the first video of its new experimental drone, the XQ-67A, marking a significant step towards the future of autonomous collaborative combat aircraft (CCA). The 90-second clip, published by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) on June 26, 2024, shows the inaugural flight of the XQ-67A, which took place in February at General Atomics' Gray Butte facility in Palmdale, California.
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The XQ-67A is part of AFRL’s Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing (LCAAPS) program. (Picture source: US DoD)

General Atomics, a major drone manufacturer for the Air Force over the past three decades, was awarded one of two design contracts for the first CCA in April. The company described the XQ-67A as a "CCA prototype" upon receiving the contract.

The XQ-67A is part of AFRL’s Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing (LCAAPS) program, which aims to test Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) technologies. These technologies are designed for data-sharing capabilities on autonomous drones. Although the XQ-67A can be remotely piloted, it is also capable of autonomous flight. This project follows the development of Kratos' XQ-58A Valkyrie, which was initially developed under the USAF’s Skyborg program and is now being tested by the US Marine Corps.

Since its first flight on February 28, the XQ-67A has completed three test flights. General Atomics highlighted the aircraft as a preliminary version of a CCA, building multiple variants from a common core chassis. The company stated that the prototype had completed additional test flights, paving the way for a comprehensive production and flight test program.

The Air Force is also exploring autonomous technology through the X-62 VISTA, a modified F-16 aircraft. Last month, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall participated in simulated dogfights aboard an AI-piloted VISTA against a human pilot.

"AFRL’s XQ-67A, designed, built, ground tested, and flown in just over two years, builds on the success of the XQ-58A Valkyrie and complements efforts with the X-62 VISTA and F-16 VENOM to accelerate the deployment of CCAs," AFRL stated in a release.

Air Force leaders emphasize the need to keep pace with technological advancements by developing CCAs alongside traditional aircraft programs. In May, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General David W. Allvin, presented a strategy for concurrent development processes, integrating platform development with doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership, education, personnel, and facilities.

General Allvin reiterated these points at an AFA Warfighters in Action event, highlighting the Air Force's commitment to human-machine collaboration and the potential for rapid adoption and discarding of CCA technologies, contrasting with the prolonged development cycles typical of traditional aircraft programs.

"The AFRL’s acquisition strategy for autonomous collaborative platforms (ACP) employs a product line philosophy to enable faster development, reduced costs, and frequent technological updates," concluded AFRL in its release.

Beyond the details provided by AFRL and General Atomics, it is important to note the technical and strategic aspects that make the XQ-67A unique. The drone is equipped with advanced sensor systems capable of collecting and transmitting real-time data, improving coordination with other autonomous and manned units. This data-sharing capability is crucial for modern combat missions, where rapid and accurate information can mean the difference between success and failure.

The LCAAPS program aims not only to reduce drone production costs but also to enable their deployment in large numbers, creating a more flexible and resilient air force. Attritable drones, like the XQ-67A, are designed for use in high-risk environments where losses may be expected, providing a cost-effective solution to maintain air superiority without risking pilot lives.

Furthermore, the development of these autonomous drones is part of a broader Air Force strategy to integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning into operations. This includes using AI for autonomous piloting, target recognition, and real-time decision-making on the battlefield. The XQ-67A represents a significant step in this direction, demonstrating the feasibility of these technologies in real-world scenarios.

The XQ-67A and similar drones will play a crucial role in future surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions. Their ability to operate autonomously, communicate with each other and with manned platforms, and adapt quickly to changing battlefield conditions makes them indispensable assets for modern armed forces.

Finally, AFRL's initiative to develop CCAs and associated technologies reflects a global trend in military forces worldwide, where increasing emphasis is placed on integrating robotics and autonomy into military operations. These developments could transform the nature of future conflicts, enhancing efficiency and reducing risks for human soldiers.

With these advancements, the US Air Force positions itself at the forefront of military technological innovation, paving the way for a new era of autonomous and collaborative warfare.