Air Force Takes Delivery of Its First Two Robot Wingmen at Creech
Fury and Vengeance have moved from company demonstrations to Air Force operator-led testing, while both manufacturers build production jets ahead of new federal funding.
Fury and Vengeance have moved from company demonstrations to Air Force operator-led testing, while both manufacturers build production jets ahead of new federal funding.
The Department of the Air Force said Sept. 24 that it has received its first two Collaborative Combat Aircraft at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. Anduril delivered the YFQ-44A Fury to the Experimental Operations Unit in August. General Atomics handed over its YFQ-42A Vengeance on Sept. 18.
Air Combat Command now leads operational testing of both Increment 1 designs. "Putting CCA in the hands of Airmen is how we build the operational future of this program," Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Collaborative Combat Aircraft has the Air Force received?
Anduril's YFQ-44A Fury, delivered in August, and General Atomics' YFQ-42A Vengeance, delivered Sept. 18, both to the Experimental Operations Unit at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, the Air Force said on Sept. 24.
What does it mean that Airmen fly Fury "on their own"?
Anduril says Air Force operators now fly the aircraft without Anduril staff controlling it. In July, Airmen ran its mission autonomy with company personnel on site to help, per Anduril's Jason Levin.
Why YFQ and not FQ?
The Air Force release uses the YFQ prototype designations for the delivered jets. Production aircraft drop the "Y" and become the FQ-44A Fury and FQ-42A Vengeance.
How fast can the two companies build them?
General Atomics says it can produce six Vengeance aircraft per month. Anduril aims for 150 Fury a year at Arsenal-1 in Ohio, company officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine.
What comes next?
The aircraft are due to fly Emerald Flag, their first large-force exercise, at Eglin Air Force Base in December. The continuing resolution funding the government runs through Dec. 11.
Read next — from the Lexicon
Below this point
6 more sections.
Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.