In the US, tested the first "led" drone XQ-58A Valkyrie
The development of the XQ-58A Valkyrie guided unmanned vehicle is underway by the US Air Force Research Laboratory with the participation of Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems. The aim of the project is to create relatively cheap in the production of reusable vehicles that can perform the functions of a fighter, but whose losses during the war will not be financially sensitive. Work has been going on for 2,5 years.
Initially, it was assumed that an unmanned fighter aircraft capable of breaking through the Russian echeloned defense of air defense / missile defense (zone A58 / AD) would be created as part of the XQ-2A project, but this concept was later abandoned. The program is now developing a driven unmanned vehicle capable of working "in conjunction" with the fifth-generation fighter F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, as well as, possibly, with other aircraft.
There are almost no technical details about the project. All that is known: the length of the 9,1 meter meter, wing span - 8,2 meter. Flight altitude - 13,7 thousand meters. Presumably, the device is designed for a range of about two thousand miles (over three thousand kilometers). The weight of the combat load located in the internal compartment and on the external sling is up to 272 kg. Flight speed - transonic.
As part of the test program, the device must make five flights, during which experts will check the on-board equipment, aerodynamic characteristics, take-off and landing systems.
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