Sep 2, 2025 8:13 AM
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. has taken a major step in unmanned aviation with the first flight test of its YFQ-42A collaborative combat drone.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has taken a major step in unmanned aviation with the first flight test of its YFQ-42A collaborative combat drone.
Developed in partnership with the US Air Force, the prototype hit the skies just over a year after it was first conceptualized.
By using model-based digital engineering and frameworks from existing platforms, the company said it was able to speed up development and rapidly optimize the drone’s flight performance.
Read the full story on NextGen Defense: America’s YFQ-42A Jet-Powered Drone Wingman Hits Skies for First Time
US Air Force•United States•air•US military•jet engine•autonomous aerial vehicle•unmanned combat aerial vehicle•drone
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