U.S. Air Force F-22 pilot commands autonomous YFQ-44A drone

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot has successfully demonstrated the ability to command an autonomous YFQ-44A Fury Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) during flight for the first time. The test, conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, showcased the pilot acting as an airborne ‘quarterback’ by issuing high-level tactical directives rather than controlling individual flight parameters.

The YFQ-44A’s onboard autonomy software interpreted these commands to execute real-time maneuvers and simulated combat tasks. This development is a key milestone for the Air Force’s CCA program, which aims to integrate uncrewed aircraft alongside crewed fighters to reduce pilot workload and enhance combat capabilities.

The Air Force has already placed orders for production of the YFQ-44A and General Atomics’ YFQ-42A Vengeance drones under the program’s first increment. The long-term goal is to deploy a fleet of at least 500 CCAs by 2032, with initial operational service expected toward the end of the decade.