The XQ-58A Valkyrie prototype crashed during an experimental flight

he United States Air Force is counting on futuristic new generation unmanned aerial vehicles that will support attack fighters in air combat and liquidation of targets during the outbreak of armed conflict.

Information about the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone scrolled for several years. Now, however, we can be sure that it will hit the Pentagon equipment. However, a little later than expected. Dozens of such machines are to function as wingers in swarm technology during difficult missions. Several such machines will be allocated to individual F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II fighters and transport aircraft.

Thanks to them, pilots will be able to receive more data needed for precise and effective impact on ground installations during conflicts and better protect the plane, themselves or the crew from the enemy. Valkyrie drones may also help fighters cope with suppression and destruction of enemy air defense over long distances.

USAF claims that the production costs of XQ-58A machines from Kratos Defense are so low that the army will be enriched by hundreds of such drones in the next 3 years. They are created as part of the Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) program, thanks to which the production costs of such machines are to be maximally reduced. According to the information disclosed, one piece of XQ-58A is expected to cost just $ 2 million.

The machines have a range of 2700 kilometers and can reach speeds of up to 1200 km / h in the air. The Valkyrie are to carry two small-diameter GBU-39 bombs on their decks. The first two tests for the United States Air Force, over the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, were successful. Unfortunately, the third, which took place a few days ago, resulted in a disaster. As a result, the drone was completely destroyed. The incident occurred while approaching landing.

The Valkyrie XQ-58A drone is designed in such a way that it is difficult to detect by radars, due to the shape itself and the nozzle hidden in the fuselage. The machine does not need an airport to take off. It can be fired from special launchers mounted on ships and trucks. Valkyrie was announced by Kratos in 2016. The first small machines will enter the USF use this year, but after the last incident it may be the earliest beginning of next year.

The Pentagon did not disclose any details about this incident. This fact should not come as a surprise, after all, the tests of the machine, as well as itself, are kept strictly secret from e.g. Russia, which also has similar plans in the use of drones to support fighters. Recently, the Russian army presented footage of the Su-70 Militia drone with a modern Su-57 fighter (see here).

Source: Kratos Defense
Photo: Kratos Defense