The XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrator, a low-cost unmanned air vehicle, successfully completed all test objectives during a 71-minute flight at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona.
The test marked the second successful flight for the aircraft this year. The inaugural 72-minute flight was recorded in March, say the US Air Force.
“The US Air Force Research Laboratory developed the low-cost unmanned air vehicle together with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. The joint effort falls within AFRL’s Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology portfolio, which has the goal to break the escalating cost trajectory of tactically relevant aircraft.”
“The XQ-58A is the first Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology flight demonstrator with (unmanned aircraft systems) technology to change the way we fly and fight, and build and buy,” said Doug Szczublewski, programme manager.
There are a total of five planned test flights for the XQ-58A, with objectives that include evaluating system functionality, aerodynamic performance, and launch and recovery systems.
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development centre for the US Air Force.
AFRL say it plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable technologies for air, space and cyberspace forces.
I know the US Military like their jargon etc. as much as the next lot, but ‘attritable’ is a particularly interesting word – never heard or read that in my life
Attritable- means cheap enough to be bought in the numbers that losing a few dozen blowing holes through defenses is achievable. While still having some leftover to keep attacking the target.
Yep…
https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/paris-air-show/2019/06/17/us-air-force-looking-to-fast-track-cash-to-kratos-defense-for-additional-valkyrie-drones/
Cheers!
Modern western take on the divine wind.
Export clearance for the Valkyrie has now been granted for the UK and (surprisingly) Australia. The Australians are working on a Loyal Wingman with Boeing so not sure why export clearance has been granted unless its for a demonstration programme.
Where did you hear about this? Would be a nice story to read 🙂
It was either Janes or Shepherd Media in the last couple of days. It was permission to export, rather than orders placed. The UK sounds like it will be the most likely, Australia may have just been precautionary.
The locals where I live are very excited about this program as Kratos is building out their facilities here to be the main Valkyrie assembly line. Should bring a decent amount of jobs and it helps diversify our economy so I’m all for it.