GA-ASI advances YFQ-42A autonomy with Collins Sidekick

The four-hour airborne mission validated third-party software operating through A-GRA within the Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has completed the first semi-autonomous airborne mission of its YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft following integration of third-party mission autonomy software.

The milestone involved Sidekick Collaborative Mission Autonomy software from Collins Aerospace operating through the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture. The system was integrated with the YFQ-42A flight control system, enabling data exchange between autonomy software and onboard mission systems.

During testing, autonomy mode was activated via the Ground Station Console, allowing a ground-based operator to transmit commands directly to the aircraft. The YFQ-42A executed those commands for more than four hours.

David R. Alexander, president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, says: “We are excited to collaborate with Collins to deliver enhanced autonomous mission solutions. The integration of Sidekick with our YFQ-42A demonstrates our commitment to innovation and operational excellence in unmanned aircraft technology.”