The XQ-58A Valkyrie, a stealth UAV designed to demonstrate a radical new concept in modern air warfare successfully completed its inaugural flight on March 5 at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona. It was in the air for 76 minutes during its inaugural flight.
XQ-58A Valkyrie is a runway independent long-range, high subsonic unmanned air vehicle. Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) partnered on the development of the XQ-58A Valkyrie.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie is being developed by AFRL in its latest ‘loyal wingman’ endeavor
The ‘loyal wingman’ concept describes a low-cost, unmanned aircraft designed to provide support to other piloted planes such as the F-35A to expand the combat capacity of theses fighters.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie can carry payload including weapons or surveillance tools, and will be used for lower cost strike, surveillance, and electronic support in the skies. It has a range of more than 2,000 miles.
