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Pilots in an F-16C Fighting Falcon and an F-15E Strike Eagle each managed control of two XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned aerial vehicles during an air combat training exercise.
In a pioneering trial described as "a significant advancement in human-machine collaboration," the U.S. Air Force recently showcased its capability to operate multiple Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs) in coordination with manned fighter jets. During the test, pilots of an F-16C Fighting Falcon and anF-15E Strike Eagleeach managing two XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned aerial vehicles during an air combat training exercise at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
The test
The press releaseAccording to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the objective of integrating the XQ-58 into aerial combat situations is to lessen the burden on pilots while improving their awareness of the environment and overall mission performance. This trial seems to have been a collaborative undertaking, as stated in the press release. It was backed by the Department of Defense's Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve program, which falls under the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. The effort was carried out by several entities, including the Air Force Materiel Command's Air Force Research Laboratory and Air Force Test Center, Air Combat Command, and the U.S. Navy.
With this flight, we are taking a key step forward in building capabilities that combine human and machine teamwork to tackle complex threats and enhance our strategic advantages," said Brigadier General Jason E. Bartolomei, commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory. "By creating and incorporating autonomous systems alongside manned platforms, we can rapidly adjust, boost combat performance, and minimize risks to our air crews in challenging environments.
The broader ACP category appears to serve a function comparable to that of the more specific one.Collaborative Combat AircraftThe CCA program and the insights gained from it will undoubtedly support the implementation of related initiatives. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) also highlights this, stating, "information from the recent flight demonstration will guide future advancements and integration of semi-autonomous systems throughout the Department of Defense."
The work on human-machine teamingis leading the innovations introduced by the U.S. Air Force as it modernizes to address the challenges of an increasingly contested and complex operational landscape. Unmanned systems are viewed as "a critical enabler of future airpower," providing manned capabilities with "credible mass" and enhancing operational flexibility.
“This test with ACPs directly responds to the changing demands of modern warfare and the needs expressed by our combat personnel,” said Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command. “We are dedicated to innovation and incorporating ACPs through these types of rigorous, operator-led assessments that enable us to quickly gain insights and improve our human-machine collaboration. This method is essential for strengthening our fighting capabilities, preserving air dominance, and ensuring we can efficiently assist the joint force in challenging future scenarios.”
The press release also stated that "ACPs offer cost-effective, runway-independent capabilities capable of functioning semi-autonomously in high-threat environments, […] while allowing operators to maintain strategic and ethical control."ethicsThe concept of deploying unmanned systems that can operate autonomously in challenging environments has drawn significant attention since these trials began, as both the Air Force and private sector emphasize their dedication to developing AI technologies that are accountable, fair, transparent, dependable, and manageable.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie
The XQ-58A ValkyrieThe Valkyrie is a runway-independent, high-speed, long-range unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) created through a collaboration between Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). As part of AFRL's Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) initiative, the Valkyrie is engineered to provide significant performance at a much lower cost compared to conventional aircraft.
Designed as a disposable aircraft, the XQ-58A is durable and reusable with minimal maintenance needs, while remaining cost-effective enough to be used in high-risk situations. Developed in only two and a half years—from contract award to its inaugural flight in 2019—the aircraft highlights the advantages of fast-tracked procurement and commercial production techniques.
The Valkyrie features a fuselage designed for stealth, along with a V-tail and an internal compartment for payloads. It is launched using a ground rail system and retrieved with a parachute, allowing operation without the need for a runway and offering significant flexibility in field deployments.
The XQ-58A is capable of performing a wide range of missions, such as strike operations, intelligence gathering, electronic warfare, acting as a decoy, and serving as a communications relay. Additionally, it has effectively showcased its ability to operate alongside manned fifth-generation aircraft. During a significant 2021 test, an XQ-58Areleased an ALTIUS-600The Small Unmanned Aerial System (SUAS) is deployed from its internal bay, demonstrating its ability to serve as an aerial launch platform for loitering munitions or additional UAS.
A Block 2 variantWith enhanced design, increased payload capacity, and improved operational performance, the aircraft made its debut flight in 2022. This upgraded model is currently involved in continuous integration and testing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where several Valkyrie units have been provided for assessment as part of the Skyborg and Autonomous Attritable Aircraft Experimentation initiatives.
In 2023, the Valkyrie completed a three-hour flight operation withAFRL-developed AI flight softwaremarking a significant milestone in autonomous aerial combat. As evaluations proceed under the ABMS and CCA programs, the Valkyrie will play a key role in shaping the future design and implementation of semi-autonomous unmanned systems.
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