The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) autonomous X-67A maiden flight.
This is the first aircraft of its kind built on a shared chassis, similar to a car frame. The success of the XQ-67A’s maiden flight demonstrates the effectiveness of this design approach, which aims to produce aircraft more quickly and affordably.
This new method addresses the need for rapid deployment of advanced, cost-effective capabilities in response to global power competition. AFRL continues to provide advanced technologies to support national defense and enhance warfighter capabilities both now and in the future.
Developed in just over two years, the XQ-67A follows the XQ-58A Valkyrie and supports the Air Force Test Center’s X-62 VISTA and F-16 VENOM projects. These efforts aim to expedite the deployment of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). AFRL’s flight testing focuses on delivering cutting-edge science and technology swiftly through flexible and ongoing development.
Although remotely piloted, the XQ-67A can fly autonomously. Under AFRL’s Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing (LCAAPS) program, the Aerospace Systems Directorate developed a core architecture, or “genus,” from which various “species” of aircraft can be created. This innovative approach enables faster development, reduced costs, and frequent technology updates.
source AFRL
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