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" aircraft, the YFQ-42A Dark Merlin by General Atomics, crashed in the California desert during testing.
The drone was part of the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, competing for a contract to produce uncrewed aircraft designed to complement next-generation fighter jets.
While no injuries were reported, flight testing for the Dark Merlin has been temporarily paused pending an investigation into the cause of the mishap.
This incident occurs amid significant Pentagon investment in the CCA program, with multiple manufacturers vying to develop these loyal wingmen drones.
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.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
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.
