Anduril YFQ-44A Fury collaborative combat aircraft flies for 1st time

Anduril YFQ-44A Fury Collaborative Combat Aircraft Completes Maiden Flight

The Anduril YFQ-44A Fury, a prototype collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), successfully completed its first flight in late October at Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, California. This marks a significant milestone in developing the loyal wingman drone for the U.S. Air Force.

Flight Details

During the test flight, the Fury was accompanied by two L-29 Delfin trainer jets. Anduril did not release extensive details, but confirmed the flight occurred as part of ongoing testing efforts. Several YFQ-44 prototypes are also undergoing ground tests.

Development Context

The Fury's test flight follows the General Atomics YFQ-42A drone's first flight in August, reflecting rapid progress in autonomous combat aircraft development. These tests aim to validate the aircraft's capabilities including speed, maneuverability, autonomy, stealth, range, and weapons systems integration.

“Anduril has launched a new age of airpower with the push of a button. From clean-sheet design to one-click takeoff in 556 days.”

Air Force Procurement Plans

The number of CCAs the U.S. Air Force will ultimately acquire remains uncertain, though earlier indications suggest approximately 1,000 aircraft, with 100 to 150 planned for the first increment.

Summary

The YFQ-44A Fury’s maiden flight represents a leap forward in autonomous combat drone development, highlighting Anduril’s rapid innovation pace and the Air Force’s expanding interest in loyal wingman platforms.

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Aerospace Global News Aerospace Global News — 2025-11-04

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