By Girish Linganna
Feb 13: General Atomics, known for producing the renowned MQ-9B Predator drones, has introduced this novel experimental jet XQ-67A that holds the potential to transform the domain of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs).
The XQ-67A, also referred to as the Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS), is a sophisticated and stealth-oriented unmanned jet crafted for the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which acts as the focal point for the service's technological advancements and innovations.
The company announced the unveiling of the XQ-67A on February 8, sharing several images and videos showcasing the aircraft performing high-speed taxi tests as it gears up for its initial flight. Whether the aircraft has already completed its first flight remains uncertain, but the Air Force had previously indicated intentions to conduct this flight within the first half of the fiscal year 2024.
An advanced sensor platform
The XQ-67A is involved in a confidential initiative known as the OBSS, which seeks to deploy an unmanned aircraft equipped with an advanced sensor array. This aircraft is designed to operate ahead of manned fighter jets, providing critical data on the enemy's position, movements, and strengths.
The design of the aircraft is derived from the Gambit series of aircraft, which General Atomics has also suggested for a different Air Force initiative known as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This program imagines a squadron of drones capable of serving as missile carriers, surveillance units, electronic warfare systems, or even as decoys.
The Gambit series of aircraft, developed by General Atomics, represents a significant leap in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. These platforms are designed to be highly versatile, supporting a wide range of missions including surveillance, electronic warfare, and direct combat roles. With advanced sensor packages, these drones are capable of operating autonomously or in collaboration with manned aircraft, enhancing the operational flexibility and strategic capabilities of the military. The Gambit series underscores the shift towards integrating more autonomous systems in modern warfare, offering innovative solutions for complex battlefield scenarios.
C Mark Brinkley, the Senior Director of Communications and Marketing at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, suggested in a statement that the future of unmanned combat air vehicles is embodied in their latest developments. He refrained from delving into details but mentioned that the company is methodically advancing through the OBSS program in close collaboration with government partners to meet all project milestones and fulfill their commitments. Brinkley highlighted the company's emphasis on rapid development, accelerated design methodologies, and delivering substantial capabilities to combat scenarios in his comments to the press.
According to FlightGlobal, the XQ-67A is designed to be controlled remotely, setting it apart from other UCAVs that are intended to function autonomously or with semi-autonomy. The specific dimensions, design, and performance features of the aircraft remain undisclosed to the public. However, it is noted to possess a stealthy design, incorporating a blended wing body and a V-tail, indicative of its low-observable configuration.
A competitive landscape filled with contenders
The XQ-67A is not the sole unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) under exploration by the Air Force. Additionally, the service is conducting trials with the XQ-58A Valkyrie, a jet-powered drone created by Kratos Defense and Security Solutions. This drone is capable of near-supersonic flight and is designed to transport a diverse range of weapons and payloads.
The Air Force has shown interest in the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) crafted by Boeing for the Australian Defence Force. With a range exceeding 2,000 miles (approximately 3,219 kilometers) and the capacity to bear up to 4,400 pounds (about 1,995 kilograms) of ordnance, the MQ-28 Ghost Bat represents a significant advancement in UCAV capabilities.
The Air Force aims for these unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) to offer "cost-effective volume," serving as a supplement to its older and diminishing fighter aircraft fleet. This strategy is intended to offset the numerical superiority of potential rivals such as China and Russia.
General Atomics, along with Boeing, Kratos, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, has been chosen by the Air Force as one of the five firms for a preliminary phase of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. A report by Breaking Defense, referencing an informed source, suggests that the Air Force plans to reduce the number of competitors by the upcoming summer.
The XQ-67A exemplifies the swift progress and broadening scope of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), which are evolving to be more proficient, flexible, and cost-effective. Such unmanned combatants are poised to play a dominant role in the future landscape of air combat.