Photo: GA-ASI
The achievement forms part of an accelerated YFQ-42A development schedule that began in August 2025 and has already included multiple aircraft builds and autonomous take-offs and landings.
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.”
| Contact details from our directory: | |
| General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) | Airframer |
| Collins Aerospace, Avionics Division | Air Data Computers, Air-to-Ground Data Links, Airborne Communication Systems, Aircraft & Helicopter Controllers, Attitude and Heading Reference Systems, Automatic Direction Finders, Automatic Flight Control Systems, Autopilots, Avionics Management Systems, Cabin Address Systems, Cabin Management Systems, Cockpit Printers, Cockpit Video Displays, Collision Avoidance Systems/TCAS, Command, Control & Intelligence Systems, Control Panels, Distance Measuring Equipment, Electronic Flight Instrument Systems, Engine Control Quadrants, Engine Controls, Engine Indicator Instruments, Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS), Flight Directors, Flight Management Systems, Flight Recorders, GPS, Head-Up Displays, Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD), Horizontal Situation Indicator, Inertial Components & Systems, Inflight Entertainment, Instrument Landing Systems, LCD Displays, Moving Maps, Multi-Mode Receivers (MMR), Navigation Antennas, Onboard Computers, Onboard Intercom Systems, Radar/Radio Altimeters, Radio Communications Equipment, Simulation Systems, Surveillance/Air Defense Radar, Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems, Transceivers, UAV Control Software, VOR (Omnirange) Receivers, Weather Mapping Radar |
| Shield AI | Airframer |
| Lockheed Martin Corporation | |
| L3Harris Technologies, Inc. | Systems Integration, UAV Control Software |
| Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) | Research/Consulting Services, Technical/Eng/Scientific Studies, Wind Tunnels |
| Related aircraft programs: |
| General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger |
| General Atomics Gambit Series |
| Related directory sectors: |
| Aircraft Operations |
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