The US Air Force is investing in a new generation XQ-67A combat UAV: ​​what is known about the secret project

The device is the previous version of the CCA joint-based combat aircraft. To date, the drone has already completed three successful test flights.

General Atomics has received an additional $9 million from the US Air Force Research Laboratory to continue development of the XQ-67A, an experimental Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) jet drone. The funding is part of the Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing (LCAAPS) program aimed at expanding data sharing capabilities on autonomous UAVs. On July 3, Army Recognition told about the details of the prospective development.

The main idea behind the creation of the XQ-67A is to support fighters, thanks to the ability of both remote piloting and autonomous flight. The company explained that the device is a preliminary version of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft — CCA, within the framework of which they plan to develop several options based on a common basic chassis.

It is noted that from the moment of its first flight The XQ-67A has successfully completed three test flights, which pave the way for a full-scale production and flight test program.

XQ-67A: promising development

XQ-67A — it's a jet powered stealth drone. Developers say it will be able to revolutionize the field of combat unmanned aerial vehicles.

Equipped with advanced sensor systems, the XQ-67A is capable of collecting and transmitting data in real time, improving coordination with other autonomous and manned units. This is extremely important for modern combat missions, where timely and accurate information is crucial, experts noted.

Thus, the XQ-67A should become the basis for swarms of guided drones that will be used for strikes and electronic warfare.

Meet the future of airpower: XQ-67A. #XQ67A is the new Off-Board Sensing Station from GA-ASI and @AFResearchLab. pic.twitter.com/kXVDQrtOvP

— GA-ASI (@GenAtomics_ASI) February 8, 2024

XQ-67A are designed to operate in high-risk environments where losses are expected. Therefore, UAVs are a cost-effective solution for maintaining air superiority without risking the lives of pilots. The broader strategy encompasses the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for autonomous piloting, target recognition and real-time decision-making on the battlefield.

“The development of the XQ-67A and similar drones is a significant step towards future surveillance, reconnaissance and execution of combat missions. Their ability to operate autonomously, maintain communication with other units and adapt to changing conditions makes them invaluable,” — experts concluded.