Futuristic drone XQ‑58A Valkyrie teams up with F‑35 jet
The American armed forces have reported the integration of the unmanned combat system XQ-58A Valkyrie with the F-35 fighter jet. A recently conducted test has enabled 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 demonstrating "seamless connectivity of the F-35 with an autonomous platform." According to 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
Recall that the XQ-58A has undergone a series of various tests in the past. One of the recent ones assessed how the drone handles the loss of communication and completes a mission without contact with the base. The connection with the F-35 was another test conducted to determine how the XQ-58A would perform in service.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie, developed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, is an innovative drone designed to cooperate with fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35 and F-22 Raptor. The drone has impressive dimensions: a length of 29 feet and a wingspan of 22 feet, allowing it to carry about 573 pounds of armament. With a speed of up to 652 mph and a range exceeding 3,418 miles, the XQ-58A is capable of undertaking 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. Under such conditions, the XQ-58A Valkyrie independently navigates to its 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.
