XQ-67A: First Flight

The Air Force Research Laboratory successfully flew the first of a second-generation of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms known as the XQ-67A demonstrator, built and flown in the Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) program Feb. 28, 2024.
The AFRL Off-Board Sensing Station program is the validation of a design, build and test process that has resulted in the XQ-67A. It is the first of its kind to be built on a common chassis or genus - much like that of a motor vehicle frame - and with its first successful flight, the XQ-67A is proof that the genus approach works. This enables a faster and more cost-effective replication of the aircraft.
This new approach also responds to the challenge of great power competition by speeding delivery of affordable, advanced capabilities to the warfighter.
The XQ-67A is remotely piloted but is capable of autonomous flight.
The first test flight of the XQ-67A, took place at the General Atomics Gray Butte Flight Operations Facility near Palmdale, California.
Courtesy Video/General Atomics
#AFResearchLab | #AirForce | #AFRLTech | #AFRL

[@coachlawlor]

This flew over my house in PhxAzUSA. Odd quiet flying sound. Went to get a witness and it was gone.

[@JawsofFenrir]

XQ-67A "Sturgeon"

[@joelfrench4169]

XQ-67A "Lightning McQueen"

[@goddess_of_Kratos]

Cool

[@robertp9811]

seems odd to fly with landing gear down

[@hilwaamanamankiyar-pp5bf]

AMY

[@scott.c9587]

No impress