Air Force Research Lab Launches New XQ-67A Drone, Autonomous Collaborative Platform

by Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has reached a significant milestone with the successful first flight of its XQ-67A demonstrator, part of the second generation of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP). This breakthrough took place on February 28, 2024, at Gray Butte Field Airport in Palmdale, California. The XQ-67A, developed under the Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) program, symbolizes a leap forward in unmanned aerial technology.

The OBSS program emphasizes a novel approach to aircraft design and production. The XQ-67A is built on a common chassis, or “genus,” akin to a vehicle’s frame. This standardized framework facilitates quicker and more economical replication of the aircraft, thereby accelerating the delivery of advanced capabilities to the warfighter. This methodology addresses the increasing demands of great power competition by ensuring that cutting-edge technology reaches the field swiftly and cost-effectively.

Designed and constructed by General Atomics, the XQ-67A is a testament to AFRL’s commitment to rapid innovation. The demonstrator was designed, built, ground-tested, and flown within just over two years. This rapid development cycle is a crucial aspect of AFRL’s strategy to maintain technological superiority.

The XQ-67A complements other AFRL initiatives such as the XQ-58A Valkyrie and the X-62 VISTA, as well as the F-16 VENOM efforts. These projects collectively aim to expedite the fielding of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The XQ-67A’s first flight included several test points, and it successfully completed its mission, marking the beginning of a series of flight tests that will further validate its capabilities.

One of the standout features of the XQ-67A is its ability to operate both under remote piloting and autonomously. This flexibility is crucial for modern combat scenarios where quick adaptation to changing environments is essential. The development of the XQ-67A is part of AFRL’s Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing (LCAAPS) program. This initiative focuses on creating a foundational core architecture, or “genus,” from which various “species” of aircraft can be developed.

Elbit America Builds New Radar Able to track 10,000 targets