Anduril YFQ-44A Fury Completes Maiden Flight
Anduril’s YFQ-44A Fury prototype, a collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) also known as a loyal wingman drone, completed its first flight at Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, California, on October 31. This milestone marks a significant step in developing autonomous flying combat support for the Air Force.
The aircraft was accompanied by two L-29 Delfin trainer jets during the flight. Although Anduril provided limited details about the test, The War Zone reported the location and circumstances of the event. Anduril had earlier hinted at the upcoming flight but did not specify a timeline.
Currently, multiple YFQ-44 prototypes are undergoing ground tests as part of a rigorous development process. Flight tests like this validate the aircraft’s capabilities including speed, manoeuvrability, autonomy, stealth, range, and weapons systems integration.
This test follows General Atomics’ YFQ-42A drone first flight in August, indicating growing competition in developing loyal wingman drones.
Anduril tweeted: “From clean-sheet design to one-click takeoff in 556 days.”
The Air Force has not confirmed how many CCAs it will acquire, though estimates suggest around 1,000 total aircraft, with 100-150 in the initial Increment I phase.
Summary
The YFQ-44A Fury’s successful first flight advances autonomous combat drone development, demonstrating rapid progress in creating loyal wingman aircraft for future Air Force operations.