Marine Corps XQ-58A UAV Completes Test Flight

The test flight of the autonomous, low-cost tactical UAV marks a milestone for the service's aviation modernization strategy.

Kimberly Johnson

Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 11:49 AM ET

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A U.S. Marine Corps XQ-58A Valkyrie, a highly autonomous, low-cost tactical unmanned air vehicle, soars during its second test flight at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Marine Corps successfully completed the second test flight of its Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie, an autonomous, low-cost tactical uncrewed air vehicle (UAV).
The Valkyrie serves as a testbed for developing advanced aviation concepts, including autonomous flight, unmanned teaming with crewed aircraft like the F-35B, and AI-enabled augmentation for combat air patrols and ISR missions.
Originally designed as an "unmanned wingman" under the Air Force Research Laboratory, the stealth drone is capable of long-range, high-subsonic flights and can operate individually or in swarms.

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The U.S. Marine Corps has successfully completed the second test of its Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie combat uncrewed air vehicle (UAV), marking a milestone for the service’s aviation modernization strategy.

The test flight of the autonomous, low-cost tactical UAV took place February 23 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where it was supported by 40th Flight Test Squadron (FLTS) engineers.