AFRL’s XQ-67A, a second-generation Autonomous Collaborative Platform, has completed a test flight in the California High Desert that demonstrated the integration of government reference autonomy with tactical datalink communications.

The test allowed the aircraft to receive real-time updates and situational awareness through a tactical datalink, enabling coordination with both crewed and uncrewed systems. It also validated multiple onboard mission systems, including autonomy, computing, networking, power and thermal management.

Built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems under contract with AFRL, the XQ-67A forms part of the platform-sharing approach towards achieving scalable affordable mass. The platform supports AFRL goals of modularity and integrated teaming across future operations.

Mike Atwood, General Atomics’ vice president of advanced programmes, says: “This successful test underscores the Department’s commitment to fielding autonomous systems that can integrate into joint operations using existing tactical networks. Government owned autonomy on the XQ-67A is a concrete step toward deployable, combat-relevant autonomy that works with and alongside crewed platforms.”

AFRL believes the testbed accelerates technology transition and advances its objectives for future autonomous integration.