Kratos Defense and Security Solutions has completed a successful series of flights on two production XQ-58A Valkyrie aircraft under the Skyborg program.

The Skyborg program team includes USAF Fighter and Advanced Aircraft Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), USAF 40th Flight Test Squadron (FLTS), USAF 46th Test Squadron, Kratos. The program is designed for the development of an autonomous flight platform.

“The continued development and demonstration of the US Air Force Skyborg system sets the course for a range of tactical applications Skyborg is designed to address and inform.said Steve Fendley, head of Kratos’ unmanned systems division. “Skyborg delivery flights of production Valkyrie aircraft under Skyborg’s contract demonstrate the benefits and utility of these unmanned systems and inform the operational and operational concept (CONEMPS).“.

The XQ-58A Valkyrie was initially developed in collaboration with AFRL as part of the Low Cost Attritable Strike Demonstrator program, with several subsequent programs and projects for multiple customers and applications. These multi-program applications continue in the Skyborg program and many other applications related to the production, mission-specific and operational development of the XQ-58A family of innovative, affordable, exceptional and high-performance tactical UAVs.

In addition to reconnaissance, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, the aircraft will be able to carry out long-range strikes and perform escort duties for other aircraft.

The XQ-58A Valkyrie was developed using commercial manufacturing processes that reduced assembly time and cost, making it a multi-tasking platform without costing the Air Force too much when it was a battle loss.

The aircraft combines an extremely long range of 3,941 km and a high speed of 1,050 km/h. The XQ-58 can be deployed as part of a drone swarm with or without direct pilot control. Although the XQ-58 can take off and land conventionally, it can also be launched from launchers such as ships, shipping containers and semi-trailer trucks.