The Americans showed a prototype of the YFQ-42A unmanned fighter jet
General Atomics has created a functional prototype of the new YFQ-42A unmanned fighter aircraft. The photo of the UAV was published by the Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, General David Alvin, who called it a breakthrough in air warfare.
Here's What We Know
The YFQ-42A is one of the first new generation combat drones under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme. It is intended to operate alongside manned aircraft such as the F-35 and perform reconnaissance or strike functions. The US Air Force believes that one manned aircraft will be able to control several drones simultaneously.
The name YFQ-42A stands for: Y - prototype, F - fighter, Q - drone. After the start of mass production, the aircraft will receive a new designation without the letter Y. Along with the YFQ-42A, another similar drone is being developed by Anduril - the YFQ-44A.
Prototype of the YFQ-42A unmanned fighter aircraft. Illustration: David Allvin
General Atomics said that the new drone will provide air superiority through autonomous capabilities and interaction with manned aircraft in difficult combat conditions.
Although details of the YFQ-42A's design have not been disclosed, it is believed to be based on the experimental XQ-67A, which made its first flight in March 2024. The Pentagon plans to deploy more than 150 of these systems by 2029.
Source: X
