Anduril begins flight testing of YFQ-44A collaborative combat aircraft

Anduril Begins Flight Testing of YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft

Anduril, a U.S. defense technology company, has initiated flight tests of its semi-autonomous YFQ-44A aircraft, developed under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program with the U.S. Air Force.

First Flight and Development

The YFQ-44A completed its maiden flight on October 31. This semi-autonomous fighter performed taxi and flight tests using onboard autonomous systems rather than remote control. From a clean-sheet design to its first flight, development took just 18 months, marking a rapid pace of progress for the program.

Program Objectives

The CCA initiative focuses on improving survivability, lethality, and mission effectiveness by integrating autonomous aircraft with crewed fighters or through independent operation. The aim is to advance manned-unmanned teaming and develop tactics for future air combat scenarios.

Testing and Capabilities

Ongoing flight tests will assess the YFQ-44A’s key characteristics, including speed, maneuverability, autonomy, stealth, range, and weapon integration. The aircraft features a fully integrated weapon system capable of processing data at combat speed, identifying targets, and executing commands to boost joint team efficiency.

The YFQ-44A can execute mission plans autonomously, manage flight control and throttle adjustments without pilot input, and return to base with a single command.

Summary

Anduril’s YFQ-44A marks a major advancement in autonomous aircraft integration, demonstrating rapid development and strong potential for future collaborative combat operations.

Author’s summary: The YFQ-44A’s swift development and autonomous capabilities signify a leap toward next-generation manned-unmanned combat teamwork within the U.S. Air Force’s CCA program.

Aerospace Testing International — 2025-11-04