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 combat UAV, marking a significant step in its aviation modernization strategy.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie serves as a crucial testbed for developing advanced capabilities such as autonomous flight, unmanned teaming with crewed aircraft, and new concepts for the Marine Air Ground Task Force.
This flight is part of a planned series of six tests to evaluate the drone's ability to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, provide autonomous electronic support to crewed platforms like the F-35B, and augment combat air patrols with AI-enabled features.
Originally designed as a low-cost, attritable "wingman" drone, the Valkyrie 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.