US Air Force XQ-58A Valkyrie completes AI-powered test flight
The XQ-58A Valkyrie is a high-altitude, long-endurance, runway-independent, high-subsonic 'Loyal Wingman' UAS. (Photo: US Air Force/US DoD)
The XQ-58A Valkyrie drone recently completed a successful test flight using AI algorithms, the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) announced on 2 August.
The milestone test took place at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and lasted approximately three hours. The AI algorithms used in the UAS were trained millions of times in simulated environments before being put to physical test.
The Autonomous Air Combat Operations (AACO) programme team at AFRL was responsible for developing the algorithms utilized in this test. The flight was carried out within the Eglin Test and Training Complex, a collection of offshore training ranges
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate
This year’s (geo)political turmoil has challenged many long-prevailing assumptions, leading to far-reaching consequences for air forces and their supplier bases in industry worldwide – with five key trends in review for 2025.
-
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
-
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.