F-22 Pilot Commands Anduril's Fury Drone in Flight for the First Time
The Fury's onboard autonomy carried out a Raptor pilot's orders, the first in-flight test of the command link the Air Force's drone-wingman plan depends on.
The Fury's onboard autonomy carried out a Raptor pilot's orders, the first in-flight test of the command link the Air Force's drone-wingman plan depends on.
An F-22 pilot issued tactical directives to an Anduril YFQ-44A Fury drone in flight, the US Air Force announced Oct. 16. Fury's onboard autonomy software interpreted the orders and flew dynamic maneuvers and simulated combat tasks in real time.
Both aircraft took off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, during the week of Oct. 5 and joined up midair, Anduril said. The Raptor pilot then sent an updated mission plan to the drone over a tactical data link.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the test?
An F-22 pilot acted as an airborne "quarterback," sending high-level tactical directives to a single YFQ-44A Fury, whose onboard autonomy software carried them out in real time, the Air Force said on Oct. 16.
When and where did it take place?
Out of Edwards Air Force Base, California, during the week of Oct. 5, according to Anduril.
Did the pilot fly the drone remotely?
No. The pilot sent an updated mission plan over a tactical data link, and the Fury's autonomy software flew the maneuvers, per Anduril and the Air Force.
Is this the first time an F-22 controlled a Fury?
Yes. Anduril confirmed to The War Zone that it was a first for an F-22 and a pre-production YFQ-44A. Earlier formation flights with F-35s did not involve in-flight commands.
How many CCAs does the Air Force plan to buy?
The service wants 500 CCAs in the field by 2032, at most $20 million per air vehicle excluding sensors and weapons. Anduril's FQ-44 and General Atomics' FQ-42 are in production under Increment 1.
What comes next?
The CCAs' first large-force exercise is Emerald Flag in December, said Lt. Col. Lyndon Bartlett of the CCA Experimental Operations Unit.
AI-generated summary, reviewed by an editor. More on our AI guidelines.
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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.