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Anduril’s YFQ-44A Drone Wingman Makes Semi-Autonomous First Flight

The flight moves the CCA effort into parallel prototype testing ahead of a fiscal 2026 production decision.

Overview

  • The YFQ-44A flew Oct. 31 from Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, California, conducting taxi and flight operations semi-autonomously with an operator on the loop.
  • With General AtomicsYFQ-42A having first flown in August, both Increment 1 Collaborative Combat Aircraft prototypes are now in flight testing.
  • Anduril says weapons integration is underway on YFQ-44A and plans call for a first live weapon shot in 2026.
  • Developmental work will continue at vendor sites and U.S. Air Force test centers including Edwards and Nellis to refine manned–unmanned teaming and operational roles.
  • Anduril cites a 556‑day clean‑sheet‑to‑first‑flight timeline and plans to scale using its ArsenalOS software and the Arsenal‑1 factory in Columbus, Ohio, as the Air Force pursues a fleet of at least 1,000 CCAs.