F-22 Raptor pilot successfully demonstrates command of 'wingman' fighter drone in simulated combat
The USAF's latest test proves that an F-22 Raptor can command a YFQ-44A Fury drone in combat conditions.
The U.S. Air Force has recently completed a successful airborne test, demonstrating an F-22 Raptor pilot's ability to command an Anduril YFQ-44A Fury drone during simulated combat. The Defense Watch reports that the fighter pilot provided tactical commands to the autonomous wingman, which then translated them into specific flight maneuvers to achieve the desired outcome.
This test is part of the Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiative, aiming to integrate drones into fighter squadrons. Drone command integration enables the F-22 Raptor pilot to assign tactical tasks, such as monitoring for and engaging enemy air defenses, allowing them to focus on primary mission objectives, like taking out enemy fighters.
However, successful command integration is just the initial hurdle the program must overcome before achieving operational status. The USAF must determine the drone's tactical autonomy limits, ensure safe flight control, and authorize weapons usage, all of which are separate functions requiring separate testing. Additionally, the program must assess drone performance under electronic interference and continuous operation with interrupted communications.
The integration of the drone into the USAF's logistics and supply chain, including maintenance, weapons handling, deployment procedures, and forward airbase operations with limited infrastructure, is also necessary. Despite the apparent success of the latest test, the CCA still requires significant progress before it can begin operational deployment.
Nonetheless, the USAF remains committed to advancing the project, viewing autonomous drones as a force multiplier for crewed aircraft, enabling a single pilot to command multiple jets at a lower cost compared to using all-crewed aircraft. Other nations, such as Sweden and China, are also exploring similar concepts of a single operator commanding multiple drones, but the USAF's CCA stands out by focusing on air power rather than ground-based operations.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Hardware's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
