Anduril YFQ-44A Fury Collaborative Combat Aircraft Completes Maiden Flight
The prototype of Anduril's YFQ-44A Fury collaborative combat aircraft has successfully carried out its first flight in California at the end of October. This event marks a major milestone in the development of the company’s loyal wingman drone intended for the U.S. Air Force.
The test was conducted at the Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, accompanied by two L-29 Delfin trainer jets. Although Anduril has not released full technical details, independent reports provided these insights. The company had previously hinted that the flight would take place soon but did not specify an exact schedule.
“From clean-sheet design to one-click takeoff in 556 days.”
This achievement follows General Atomics’ YFQ-42A drone’s first flight in August, continuing the Air Force’s effort to expand its fleet of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Anduril has confirmed that several Fury prototypes are already undergoing ground tests as part of the broader development campaign.
The next flight tests will focus on validating the drone’s speed, maneuverability, stealth, range, weapons integration, and autonomous capabilities—key metrics for future operational deployment.
It remains uncertain how many CCAs the Air Force plans to acquire, though early estimates suggest a fleet size of about 1,000 aircraft, with the first increment including 100 to 150 units.
Author’s Summary
Anduril’s YFQ-44A Fury drone has completed its maiden flight, advancing the Air Force’s CCA program toward a fleet of future autonomous “loyal wingmen.”