XQ-67A Test Flight Validates Tactical Data Link for Future Combat Operations

In a recent demonstration in the California High Desert, the XQ-67A unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) successfully executed a tactical data link exchange, marking a significant milestone in its development. This test flight was not merely a technical exercise but part of a broader initiative to validate the aircraft’s role within future autonomous combat operations. The trial was designed to assess the integration of government-owned autonomy systems with existing tactical communications infrastructure, enabling real-time coordination between crewed and uncrewed platforms.

XQ-67A. Photo: ga-asi.com

The purpose of this trial extends beyond proving basic flight capabilities. It is a critical step in evaluating the XQ-67A’s potential as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), a concept that envisions autonomous systems operating alongside traditional fighter jets. The tactical data link exchange demonstrated the aircraft’s ability to receive and process mission-critical updates mid-flight, a capability essential for dynamic battlefield environments. By validating these systems, the test supports the U.S. Air Force’s broader strategy to deploy scalable, modular autonomous platforms that can adapt to various mission profiles.

The XQ-67A is developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), under contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The aircraft is part of the Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) program, which aims to create forward-deployed sensor platforms capable of relaying data to manned aircraft. The OBSS initiative evolved from earlier efforts such as the Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technologies (LCAAT) and Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing (LCAAPS) programs. These programs sought to reduce development costs and timelines by adopting a modular design philosophy, akin to the automotive industry’s use of shared chassis across multiple vehicle models.

The XQ-67A represents the second generation of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP), building on the legacy of the XQ-58A Valkyrie. Its design incorporates a common core architecture, referred to as the “genus,” which allows for rapid adaptation into different aircraft “species” depending on mission requirements. This approach facilitates faster production cycles and more frequent technology refreshes, addressing the need for agility in modern defense procurement.

Structurally, the XQ-67A features a mid-wing configuration with a V-tail and a dorsal engine intake. It is powered by a single jet engine, though specific performance metrics such as speed, range, and payload capacity remain undisclosed. The aircraft is equipped with side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) sensors, suggesting a primary role in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). However, its modular design allows for potential conversion into a weapons platform under the Off-Board Weapon Station (OBWS) program, which envisions UAVs capable of carrying air-to-air or air-to-ground munitions.

The XQ-67A’s capabilities include autonomous flight, mission computing, networking, and thermal management systems. During its test flight, the aircraft validated the integration of these systems, demonstrating its ability to operate within a networked battlespace. The tactical data link enabled real-time situational awareness and coordination with other assets, a prerequisite for effective manned-unmanned teaming.

Historically, the development of the XQ-67A has been relatively swift. From initial design to first flight, the process took just over two years. This accelerated timeline reflects the program’s emphasis on rapid prototyping and iterative testing. The aircraft’s maiden flight occurred on February 28, 2024, at the Gray Butte Flight Operations Facility near Palmdale, California. Since then, it has served as a testbed for evaluating autonomous systems and platform-sharing concepts.

The XQ-67A is also linked to the U.S. Air Force’s Demon Ape program—short for Demonstration of Autonomous Collaborative Platform Performance and Effectiveness. This initiative aims to further refine the aircraft’s systems and explore its suitability for various combat roles. While only one XQ-67A currently exists, its successful flight and system integration suggest that the platform could serve as a foundation for future UAV variants.

The XQ-67A’s recent test flight and tactical data link exchange underscore its role as a pivotal asset in the evolution of autonomous aerial warfare. Developed through a collaborative effort between GA-ASI and AFRL, the aircraft embodies a shift toward modular, scalable systems that can be rapidly adapted to meet emerging threats. Its integration into the broader CCA framework reflects a strategic move to enhance operational flexibility and reduce reliance on traditional manned platforms. As the defense landscape continues to evolve, platforms like the XQ-67A will likely play a central role in shaping the future of air combat.