GA-ASI’s YFQ-42A Dark Merlin is one of several candidates to be the first U.S. Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). [Credit: GA-ASI]
Key Takeaways:
An experimental autonomous "loyal wingman" drone, the YFQ-42A Dark Merlin developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI), crashed in the California desert.
The aircraft is part of the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which aims to pair crewed fighter jets with uncrewed drones for combat missions.
While no injuries occurred, GA-ASI has temporarily paused flight testing, and the incident could impact the company's competition for initial CCA production contracts.
The crash underscores the inherent risks in developing advanced military technology, with the Air Force stating such incidents are expected during the testing phase.
An experimental aircraft developed to serve as an autonomous “loyal wingman” for next-generation U.S. Air Force fighter jets crashed in the California desert on Monday.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI)—the manufacturer of the YFQ-42A Dark Merlin in question—said Monday that the aircraft “experienced a mishap” after taking off from a company-owned airport.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
