// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
XQ-58 Valkyrie
The XQ-58 Valkyrie is an experimental, low-cost unmanned jet developed to fly alongside manned fighter aircraft. It's designed to act as a "loyal wingman," performing tasks like reconnaissance, carrying weapons, or serving as a decoy to enhance combat effectiveness while keeping manned aircraft out of harm's way.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The XQ-58 Valkyrie, developed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, is an experimental, stealthy, long-range unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) intended to serve as a "loyal wingman" for manned fighter aircraft, performing collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) roles such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and weapon deployment under autonomous or semi-autonomous control within contested environments for the US Air Force.
SYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Loyal Wingman
- Kratos Valkyrie
- UCAV
- Combat Drone
- Drone Fighter
USAGE NOTE
The Valkyrie is a prominent example of the U.S. Air Force's shift towards affordable mass and collaborative combat aircraft concepts.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to XQ-58 Valkyrie.
Kratos is the primary developer and manufacturer of the XQ-58 Valkyrie, a low-cost, high-performance uncrewed combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed to act as a 'loyal wingman' or perform other autonomous missions.
The AFRL is the lead government agency behind the Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) program, under which the XQ-58 Valkyrie was developed in partnership with Kratos, focusing on modular, affordable drone technology.
The U.S. Air Force is the primary customer and operational end-user for the XQ-58 Valkyrie, integrating it into various programs like Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and Skyborg to explore advanced autonomous teaming capabilities.
While not directly building the XQ-58, GA-ASI is a leading developer of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and is actively involved in developing competing and complementary 'loyal wingman' platforms and technologies crucial for the XQ-58's operational ecosystem, such as the MQ-20 Avenger and other CCA concepts.
Boeing's advanced development division, Phantom Works, is a key player in designing and developing advanced autonomous systems and 'loyal wingman' concepts, including the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, directly related to the operational role and technological advancements embodied by the XQ-58 Valkyrie.
Lockheed Martin's advanced development programs (Skunk Works) are deeply involved in next-generation air dominance (NGAD) and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiatives, researching and developing autonomous flight technologies and platforms that would integrate with or fulfill roles similar to the XQ-58 Valkyrie.