U.S. Air Force tests XQ-67A mission systems and data links for dispersed combat operations [VIDEO]

Conducted under the Demonstration of ACP Performance and Effectiveness, or Demon APE, project, the flight combined onboard hardware testing with live, virtual and constructive simulations. The Air Force said the demonstration showed how uncrewed platforms could be managed across distributed theaters using resilient, layered command and control.

“By pairing AFRL’s rapid prototyping with ACC’s operational test units, the Air Force is shortening the timeline between concept and warfighter capability,” said Col. Matthew Caspers, DAF Deputy Technology Executive Officer for Air. The project brings together the Air Force Research Laboratory and Air Combat Command to accelerate development and delivery in support of National Defense Strategy priorities.

The XQ-67A demonstrated the integration of sensors, mission computers, and power and thermal management hardware designed to work together in demanding combat environments. The flight also incorporated beyond-line-of-sight communications, supporting the management of uncrewed aircraft across dispersed operating areas.

“This proved that AFRL’s autonomous architectures, aligned with Autonomy and Agile Mission Suite Government Reference Architectures, can reliably process and relay combat-relevant data in real-world scenarios,” said Trenton White, an aerospace engineer in AFRL’s Air Warfare directorate. The ability to process and share that information is part of the effort to give commanders deeper situational awareness.

The Air Force described investment in platforms such as the XQ-67A as a means of extending the operational reach of crewed fighters. It also aims to add affordable operational mass to the fleet while limiting human aircrews’ exposure to risk.