Anduril’s YFQ-44A Completes First Flight
Anduril’s YFQ-44A, a jet-powered uncrewed aircraft in the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, completed its maiden flight on October 31, 2025. This event marks a significant advancement in the development of autonomous “wingmen” drones designed to operate alongside manned fighters.
Flight Details and Capabilities
The first flight took place at Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, California. During this mission, the YFQ-44A autonomously executed a planned mission, managed flight control, and adjusted throttle without human intervention. It then returned to land under operator direction.
“This aircraft is ushering in this new paradigm with incredible technical precision,” said Jason Levin, Anduril’s Senior Vice President for Air Dominance and Strike. “It executes a mission plan on its own, manages flight control and throttle adjustment independent of human command, and returns to land at the push of a button.”
Program Context
Anduril is the second competitor in the CCA Increment 1 competition to reach flight testing. The first was General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, whose YFQ-42A prototype had its initial flight in August 2025 at Gray Butte, California.
Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Program
- Focuses on developing uncrewed drones to act as autonomous wingmen.
- Includes multiple jet-powered drone prototypes competing for USAF deployment.
- Aims to enhance air combat capabilities through autonomous teaming.
Author's summary: Anduril’s YFQ-44A successfully demonstrated autonomous flight capabilities on its first test, moving closer to autonomous drone wingmen integration in the US Air Force’s fighter operations.