The U.S. Air Force (USAF) has officially designated its first uncrewed fighter prototypes, the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A, marking a significant step in the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). These aircraft, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Anduril Industries, are expected to conduct their maiden flights in the coming months.
Speaking at the Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium in Denver, Colorado, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin announced the new designations, emphasizing their role in shaping the future of autonomous air combat. “For the first time in our history, we have a fighter designation in the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A,” Allvin stated. “It may be symbolic, but it signals to the world that we are advancing into a new chapter of aerial warfare—one focused on human-machine teaming.”
New Mission Design Series for Autonomous Fighters
The designation follows the Mission Design Series (MDS) classification system, where:
- Y – Prototype status (removed upon production)
- F – Fighter mission designation
- Q – Unmanned aircraft category
- 42 / 44 – Design numbers
- A – First variant
These aircraft are designed to operate alongside crewed fighters, leveraging autonomous capabilities to enhance air superiority in contested environments. The USAF aims to refine human-machine teaming through rigorous testing and evaluation.
YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A: Advancing Autonomous Combat
YFQ-42A
Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the YFQ-42A is part of the company’s Gambit family of uncrewed jets. It is designed to integrate advanced sensor fusion, high-speed maneuverability, and AI-driven decision-making to support combat operations in highly contested environments.
YFQ-44A
Manufactured by Anduril Industries, the YFQ-44A—internally branded as Fury—represents a next-generation combat drone optimized for human-machine teaming. The platform incorporates stealth capabilities, modular payload systems, and advanced autonomy, enabling it to support a variety of mission profiles alongside crewed aircraft.
