Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie
| XQ-58 Valkyrie | |
|---|---|
| |
| The XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrator on its inaugural flight, 5 March 2019 at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona | |
| Role | Unmanned combat aerial vehicle |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Kratos Defense & Security Solutions |
| First flight | 5 March 2019 |
| Status | In development |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
The Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie is a planned stealthy unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) that is to be deployed by the United States Air Force (USAF). It was initially designated XQ-222. The Valkyrie successfully completed its first flight on 5 March 2019 at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.[1]
Design objectives
The XQ-58 Valkyrie falls within the USAF Research Laboratory’s Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) portfolio, which objectives include designing and building UCAVs faster by developing better design tools, and maturing and leveraging commercial manufacturing processes to reduce build time and cost.[1] The role of the LCAAT is to escort the F-22 or F-35 during combat missions, and to be able to deploy weapons or surveillance systems.[2][3] It must also be able to be deployed as part of a swarm of drones, with or without a controlled device.[clarification needed]
It features stealth technology with a trapezoidal fuselage with a chined edge, V-tail, and an S-shaped air intake.[3]
The first flight took place approximately 2.5 years from contract award. A total of five test flights are planned in two phases to evaluate system functionality, aerodynamic performance, and launch and recovery systems.[1]
Specifications
Data from [4]
General characteristics
- Crew: 0
- Length: 28 ft 10 in (8.8 m)
- Wingspan: 22 ft 0 in (6.7 m)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 567 kn (652 mph, 1,050 km/h)
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.85
- Range: 2,128 nmi (2,449 mi, 3,941 km)
- Service ceiling: 44,997 ft (13,715 m)
Armament
- Hardpoints: 8 - 2 weapon bays with 4 in each with a capacity of 550 lb (250 kg) each
- Bombs: JDAM, Small diameter bomb
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
- ^ a b c "XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrator completes inaugural flight". 88 Air Base Wing Public Affairs, Wright Patterson AFB. 6 March 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
- ^ "Kratos to launch XQ-222 Valkyrie, UTAP-22 Mako at Paris Air Show 2017". 15 June 2017.
- ^ a b Rogoway, Tyler. "More Details On Kratos' Optionally Expendable Air Combat Drones Emerge". The Drive. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
- ^ "Kratos XQ-222 Valkyrie Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) - United States". www.militaryfactory.com.