Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
5h ago

First F-22 Cockpit Control Demo Guides MQ-20 Drone Using Open Links

The industry-funded flight validated government-owned interfaces central to the Air Force’s CCA plan as more trials continue toward a 2026 production decision.

The MQ-20 Avenger during a test flight. (Image credit: GA-ASI)
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • General Atomics said an F-22 pilot controlled an MQ-20 Avenger on Oct. 21 at the Nevada Test and Training Range using a cockpit tablet.
  • The setup used L3Harris BANSHEE datalinks and Pantera software-defined radios integrated through Lockheed Martin’s open radio architectures and the F-22’s GRACE software environment.
  • GA-ASI characterized the Avenger as a CCA surrogate and noted the event showcased non‑proprietary, U.S. government‑owned communications compatible with Open Mission Systems.
  • The demonstration was funded as internal R&D, and the company said additional manned–unmanned flight tests are planned.
  • The Air Force has designated the F-22 as the threshold platform for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, with GA-ASI and Anduril prototypes already flown and Increment 1 production awards planned for 2026.