USAF Achieves Landmark Aerial Command of YFQ-44A Fury from F-22 Raptor Cockpit

The United States Air Force has successfully conducted its inaugural in-flight command and control test of an YFQ-44A Fury unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) directly from the cockpit of an F-22 Raptor fighter jet. This pioneering demonstration represents a critical advancement in the integration of manned and unmanned aerial systems for future combat operations.

During the test, publicly announced by both the USAF and Anduril, the primary contractor for the Fury platform, an F-22 pilot relayed an updated mission plan to the YFQ-44A via a secure tactical data link. The Fury’s sophisticated autonomous software then seamlessly interpreted these directives in real-time, executing pre-programmed flight maneuvers and simulating combat engagements with precision.

The exercise unfolded over California, with the F-22 Raptor and YFQ-44A Fury taking off from Edwards Air Force Base and rendezvousing in designated airspace. From his station, the F-22 pilot issued operational commands to the unmanned asset, guiding its tactical actions. Anduril confirmed this event as the initial airborne tactical control demonstration between the F-22 and the YFQ-44A.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Air Force aims to fully realize the potential of manned platforms effectively managing UCAVs from the air. Future operational concepts envision advanced fighter aircraft like the F-22 and F-35 commanding multiple unmanned aerial assets, orchestrating complex mission coordination across diverse battlefields.

The YFQ-44A Fury, developed by Anduril, alongside the YFQ-42A Vengeance, designed by General Atomics, are foundational components of the USAF’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program’s initial phase. The Air Force took delivery of its first two UCAVs in September and intends to significantly expand its inventory, targeting the procurement of 500 CCA aircraft by 2032, with an ultimate goal of fielding 1,000 such platforms post-2032. Both Fury and Vengeance are slated for further evaluation during the Emerald Flag exercise later this year.