Anduril reveals guided bombs and rocket pods for FQ-44A Fury as U.S. Air Force plans fleet of at least 500 uncrewed combat aircraft

By Hannah Miller (Defence Industry Europe)

Unmanned systems |
Anduril reveals guided bombs and rocket pods for FQ-44A Fury as U.S. Air Force plans fleet of at least 500 uncrewed combat aircraft

Photo: Anduril Industries.

Anduril Industries has released new images showing guided bombs and pods for 70mm rockets being integrated with its FQ-44A Fury uncrewed combat aircraft. The work is expanding the range of weapons planned for the platform under the U.S. Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.

The photographs document continued integration of external stores on the Fury. Anduril intends the aircraft to carry and employ several types of guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, cruise missiles and 70mm rockets.

The planned payload set also includes additional mission pods and other systems that have not been disclosed. The broad weapons mix is intended to allow the aircraft to support different missions alongside crewed platforms.

 

The FQ-44A is being developed for the U.S. Department of War as part of the CCA program. The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire at least 500 production aircraft to operate in mixed formations with crewed combat aircraft.

Anduril and the Department of War have already conducted weapons trials involving the Fury. Previous testing included the launch of an RTX AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile.

The program is also beginning to draw international participation. The Netherlands formally joined the CCA effort in October last year.

Dutch involvement is expected to connect the country’s defense industry with the project. That cooperation may allow Dutch companies to participate in the future co-production of series aircraft.

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