F‑35 teams up with XQ‑58 Valkyrie for smarter combat duo
The American armed forces report the integration of the unmanned combat system XV-58A Valkyrie with the F-35 fighter jet. A recently conducted test has allowed the creation of an "even smarter and faster team."
Developed by Kratos, the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone supports F-35 aircraft. This futuristic unmanned aerial vehicle successfully completed a test that demonstrated "seamless connectivity of the F-35 with an autonomous platform." As stated on the profile dedicated to the F-35, owned by Lockheed Martin, this integration has been "creating a team that’s even smarter and faster."
Test of the XQ-58A drone with the F-35 fighter jet
It is important to note that the XQ-58A has undergone various tests in the past. One of the recent ones focused on assessing how the drone manages the loss of communication and executes a mission without contact with the base. The connection with the F-35 was another test aimed at determining how the XQ-58A would perform in service.
The XQ-58 Valkyrie, developed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, is an innovative drone designed to collaborate with fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35 and F-22 Raptor. The drone has impressive dimensions: a length of approximately 9 metres and a wingspan of nearly 7 metres, allowing it to carry about 260 kilograms of armament. With a speed reaching 1,050 km/h and a range exceeding 5,500 kilometres, the XQ-58 is capable of long-distance combat missions.
The design is based on advanced artificial intelligence algorithms developed in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. AI enables the drone to operate autonomously, as demonstrated during tests simulating the loss of base communication. In such conditions, the XQ-58 Valkyrie independently finds its way to the target and safely returns to its landing location. The manufacturer anticipates that the drone will function as a "loyal wingman," supporting manned fighters in air missions.
