AFRL XQ-58A UAV completes second successful flight

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – The XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrator, a low-cost unmanned air vehicle, successfully completed all test objectives during a 71-minute flight on June 11, 2019, at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona.

The test marked the second successful flight for the aircraft this year. The inaugural 72-minute flight was recorded in March.

The Air Force Research Laboratory developed the low-cost unmanned air vehicle together with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. The joint effort falls within AFRL’s Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology portfolio, which has the goal to break the escalating cost trajectory of tactically relevant aircraft.

“The XQ-58A is the first Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology flight demonstrator with UAS technology to change the way we fly and fight & build and buy,” said Doug Szczublewski, program manager.

There are a total of five planned test flights for the XQ-58A, with objectives that include evaluating system functionality, aerodynamic performance, and launch and recovery systems.

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 11,000 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development.

The XQ-58A Valkyrie pictured during a second test flight June 11, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. Randolph Abaya, 586 Flight Test Squadron.)