The YFQ-44A executed tactical instructions received from an F-22 pilot in real time, conducting simulated combat missions.
The U.S. Air Force demonstrated airborne tactical command and control of a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) from an F-22 Raptor fighter jet during a test conducted in October. The test marked progress in efforts to develop, test and operationally deploy mission autonomy capabilities.
During the demonstration, the F-22 pilot provided airborne tactical guidance to the YFQ-44A. The YFQ-44A’s autonomous software executed these instructions in real time, performing flight manoeuvres and simulated combat mission activities. The activities were conducted within a simulated environment.
U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink stated that cooperation with the defence industry was accelerating the development of military capabilities. Meink noted that integration, flight testing and evaluation processes were being accelerated to bring new technologies into operational use.
Test Data to Support the CCA Programme
Personnel from the 412th Test Wing, 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, 309th Software Engineering Group, and relevant units involved in the F-22 and CCA programmes participated in the demonstration. Data obtained from the demonstration will be used to support software integration, developmental testing and the development of future CCA operational concepts.
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Ken Wilsbach stated that the flight demonstrated the ability of manned and unmanned aircraft to operate together. Wilsbach emphasised the need to increase the frequency of testing and rapidly evaluate the results to meet operational requirements in a timely manner.
Under the CCA programme, the U.S. Air Force plans to field 500 combat-ready semi-autonomous systems by 2032 and expand its total fleet to 1,000 platforms. The systems are intended to enhance operational reach, situational awareness and survivability in highly contested environments.
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Source: C4Defence – U.S. Air Force
