Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are in rapid development and eventual tactical deployment. As evidence, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) recently completed the sixth test flight of the XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, having it launch a second unmanned aircraft during flight from its internal weapons bay. The sixth test flight was conducted by AFRL working with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, the developer of the XQ-58A, and Area-I, the creator of the ALTIUS-600 tube-launched, tube-stored small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) launched in mid-flight by the XQ-58A (see the figure). Following the launch of the SUAS, the XQ-58A performed other tasks as part of the successful test flight.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie UCAV is just over 28 ft. in length with a 22-ft. wingspan. The ALTIUS-600 small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) weighs less than 27 lbs. with sensors or payload weighing as much as 7 lbs. It features a range of 276 miles and a modular payload nose that allows it to be equipped with a sensor or payload package to meet specific mission needs. The ALTIUS-600 can be launched from the air, sea, or ground.
“This is the sixth flight of the Valkyrie and the first time the payload bay doors have been opened in flight,” said Alyson Turri, AFRL demonstration program manager. “In addition to this first SUAS separation demonstration, the XQ-58A flew higher and faster than previous flights.” The XQ-58A was developed as part of the AFRL’s Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) efforts to design and produce reusable tactical aircraft that are lower in cost than traditional piloted or newer unpiloted aircraft.