XQ-58A Valkyrie in third flight test

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions’ XQ-58A Valkyrie has completed its third flight test, the company announced on 10 October.

During the 90 minute flight, the XQ-58A executed a successful launch and met 56 of 56 baseline test points, plus two additional test points with excess fuel remaining after completion of the mission. After completion of the flight, the recovery parachute system worked as expected, and the aircraft descended under the canopy system.

In final descent phase, the prototype cushion system - which was employed for the initial test series but is not intended for ultimate operational use - suffered an anomaly resulting in the aircraft sustaining damage upon touchdown. 

According to the company, the XQ-58A is designed to be quickly repaired and reused if damage is sustained after performing operational missions. In this case, the Valkyrie has been recovered, and the damage has been initially evaluated and determined to be fully repairable.

Kratos plans to address the cushion system prior to flight four and complete its test flight series with the US Air Force Research Lab while continuing to execute with its other Valkyrie customers.