IRIA News

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The U.S. Marine Corps’ next-generation unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrated tactical data link integration during Exercise Emerald Flag 2024. The XQ-58A contributed broad airborne and surface sensor awareness information to multiple ground and airborne joint network participants.

During the latest test flight and first multi-service integration at Eglin Air Force Base, the XQ-58A Valkyrie used a common tactical data link and effectively demonstrated its capability as an unmanned forward-deploying sensing platform for joint operations.

According to the U.S. Marine Corps statement, the XQ-58A Valkyrie provided critical threat-targeting data to Marine Corps fifth-generation aircraft to rapidly close advanced kill chains.

Branch Head for the Cunningham Group, Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Col. Derek Brannon said, “The success of this flight test during Emerald Flag pushed the manned-unmanned teaming concept a step further for the entire Joint Force.”

Col. Derek Brannon further highlighted that “This XQ-58A test marked another milestone in the Marine Corps’ unmanned tactical aircraft program. The flight focused on the use of tactical data links to enable digital communication between the XQ-58A and an airborne four-ship of F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214 and other joint aircraft”

“Through this successful joint integration, the XQ-58A continues to provide the Marine Corps with a testable platform for integrating new technologies and concepts in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Unmanned Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft program,” the U.S. Marine Corps statement added.

The XQ-58A aircraft uses a set of algorithms that were developed using “millions of hours in high fidelity simulation events” sorties using the Lockheed Martin X-62 Vista, a test aircraft based on the F-16.

The aircraft has been designed for stealth and speed. The XQ-58A variant of the aircraft used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to increase its precision and swift decision-making abilities for the aircraft. The AI is a crucial element of the aircraft and it can integrate into complex air operations while being cost-effective and adaptable for future air combat scenarios.

Exercise Emerald Flag 2024 is a multi-domain military exercise focused on testing and integrating new technologies across air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace. Besides the XQ-58A capability demonstration, the exercise also involved the MQ-9 Reaper, showcasing its satellite-based launch and recovery capabilities, further pushing the limits of Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts. These developments are critical for enhancing the operational flexibility and survivability of U.S. forces in contested environments

XQ-58A Specification:

• Length: 30 feet
• Wingspan: 27 feet
• Empty weight: 1,134 kilograms
• Max takeoff weight:  2,722 kilograms
• Cruise speed: 882 kilometers/hour
• Range: 5,600 kilometers (approximate)
• Service ceiling: 45,000 feet

AI Wingman

The XQ-58 Valkyrie is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle developed by the Kratos Defense & Security Solutions’ Unmanned Systems Division (KUSD), as part of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) program.

The aircraft is designed to be a low-cost, high-performance drone capable of performing a variety of missions in support of manned aircraft, particularly as a loyal wingman to more expensive, crewed platforms like the F-22 or F-35 fighter jets in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat scenarios.

The Valkyrie has a stealthy, sleek airframe that is optimized to reduce radar cross-section, making it harder to detect. It is designed to be relatively inexpensive compared to traditional manned aircraft, allowing it to be deployed in high-risk environments where the loss of a more costly platform would be undesirable.

The XQ-58A has a large internal bay capable of carrying a variety of payloads, including sensors, bombs, or electronic warfare systems. This makes it versatile for different mission types, such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike operations.

It can operate autonomously or semi-autonomously, working alongside manned aircraft in a formation, providing additional firepower, surveillance, or electronic warfare capabilities. The drone can fly at high subsonic speeds, enhancing its ability to support manned platforms over long distances and potentially overwhelm adversary defenses by sheer numbers.

With its long-range capabilities, the Valkyrie is suitable for deep penetration missions without needing to refuel as often as manned fighters. The UAV can be deployed in swarms, cooperating with multiple units to confuse enemy defenses or carry out coordinated strikes.