GoKawiilF-22 pilot directs Anduril's YFQ-44A Fury drone in Air Force test
The US Air Force tested a setup where an F-22 Raptor pilot sent high-level tactical commands to Anduril's YFQ-44A Fury drone via a tactical data link while both aircraft flew out of Edwards Air Force Base. The drone's onboard autonomy software translated those directives into flight maneuvers and simulated combat tasks, while the human pilot retained decision-making control rather than flying the drone directly.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The test is part of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which aims to pair crewed fighters with low-cost autonomous wingmen carrying extra weapons and sensors. The Air Force's stated goal of fielding 500 such aircraft by 2032 suggests a push to multiply combat power without multiplying crewed cockpits, though it remains unclear how pilots would manage multiple drones during high-intensity combat.
- An F-22 pilot issued tactical directives to an autonomous YFQ-44A Fury drone during a simulated combat test at Edwards Air Force Base.
- The drone's autonomy software, not the human pilot, controlled its flight maneuvers based on relayed instructions.
- The Air Force aims for 500 combat-ready semi-autonomous aircraft by 2032 and at least 1,000 eventually, under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
Source: techspot.com — Rob Thubron, 2026-10-19
Published there as: “One pilot, two aircraft: F-22 Raptor directs autonomous combat drone in glimpse of future air warfare”
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