The United States tested the unparalleled in the world XQ-58A Valkyrie military drone at Arizona's Yuma Proving Grounds. The main highlight of the test launch of Valkyrie was the launch of ALTIUS-600 from the bomb compartment. Overall, it is reported that the tests were successful.
Valkyrie Drone Improvements And Innovations
The drone that took part in the flight tests has the number 15-8003. The organizers say that the Valkyrie has improved both climb and flight speed in comparison with the previous two launches (in one of them the drone immediately crashed down). At the moment, three XQ-58A Valkyrie UAV gliders have been assembled in the United States. The first of them made a launch flight in 2019, but during the third flight, it failed.
Overall, the drone flight training was the sixth for the XQ-58A Valkyrie. In addition, the emergence of ALTIUS-600 made it possible to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the stealth drone. To make it work, the Valkyrie had to be slightly transformed. In particular, its internal payload compartment had to be changed.
What Is The XQ-58A Valkyrie Drone?
The Valkyrie drone is considered a potential pilot-operated drone of the fifth generation of the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II military aircraft.
The budget XQ-58A Valkyrie was developed by Kratos and the American Air Force Research Laboratory, with the aim of rallying with projects such as Skyborg and Golden Horde. The main drone XQ-58A Valkyrie, in addition to the ALTIUS-600 small, can also be equipped with missiles and bombs. It may also have the ability to video surveillance. In the appropriate compartment, it can carry up to eight weapons. In the future, the number can become bigger.
A distinctive feature of drones created within the framework of Skyborg projects is their low cost and the ability to participate in a swarm in massive attacks on enemy targets that support missile defense (ABM).
The US Air Force has big plans for Valkyrie. It is cheap enough not to regret losing it during a military operation, but at the same time, it cannot be called a one-time use—it can be used many times. The drone has a wingspan of 22 feet, its maximum speed is 652 miles / h, and its flight range is 2,450 miles.