Airbus and Kratos advance collaborative combat drone technology

Airbus and Kratos have successfully completed the first flight test of the U740 Valkyrie, a large-scale combat drone designed for collaborative combat operations. The aircraft, measuring 9.1 meters in length with an 8.2-meter wingspan, achieved speeds of Mach 0.8 and demonstrated the ability to modify mission parameters during flight.

The U740 Valkyrie utilizes Airbus’s MARS mission system and MindShare software, which employs artificial intelligence to manage autonomous missions and coordinate groups of aircraft. Designed to act as a ‘loyal wingman’ for manned fighters, the drone features a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers, an operational ceiling of 45,000 feet, and an internal weapons bay capable of carrying up to three tons.

In parallel developments regarding manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), testing has demonstrated the ability for pilots in high-performance aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptor, to direct tactical operations of unmanned combat aircraft (CCA) directly from their cockpits. This integration uses high-speed data links and AI to allow pilots to issue commands via voice or touch, enabling drones to act as advanced sensors that map threats while the manned aircraft remains stealthy.