Anduril begins flight testing of YFQ-44A collaborative combat aircraft

Anduril Starts Flight Testing of YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft

US defense technology firm Anduril has initiated flight tests for its YFQ-44A, a semi-autonomous fighter aircraft developed for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The YFQ-44A completed its maiden flight on October 31, showcasing autonomous taxi and flight capabilities without remote piloting.

Development and Program Goals

The aircraft was created in cooperation with the US Air Force, moving from initial design to first flight within 18 months. The CCA program aims to improve survivability, lethality, and mission effectiveness through close coordination between manned fighters and autonomous aircraft or by conducting operations independently.

Testing Objectives and Capabilities

Flight testing will assess the YFQ-44A’s speed, maneuverability, stealth, autonomy, range, and integration of weapons systems.
The fully integrated weapons system processes combat-speed data, identifies targets, and issues commands to optimize team performance.
The aircraft independently executes mission plans, controls flight and throttle adjustments without direct human input, and can autonomously return to base at the push of a button.

"Flight testing will develop collaborative, manned-unmanned teaming concepts and tactics for autonomous aircraft integration."

The YFQ-44A’s autonomy and teaming capabilities represent a major advance in integrated combat aviation strategy.

Author's summary: Anduril's YFQ-44A successfully completed its first autonomous flight as part of the CCA program, demonstrating advanced manned-unmanned teaming and combat-ready autonomous systems integration.

Aerospace Testing International — 2025-11-04

Anduril Starts Flight Testing of YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft

Development and Program Goals

Testing Objectives and Capabilities

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