Anduril’s YFQ-44A Completes First Flight
Anduril’s YFQ-44A, one of two jet-powered uncrewed aircraft competing in the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, completed its first flight on October 31, 2025. This successful test marks a significant step toward deploying autonomous wingmen to operate alongside crewed fighter jets.
Flight Details
The test flight took place at Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, California. During the flight, the YFQ-44A independently executed its mission plan, handled flight control and throttle adjustments without human input, and returned for landing upon operator command.
“This aircraft is ushering in this new paradigm with incredible technical precision,” said Jason Levin, Anduril’s Senior Vice President for Air Dominance and Strike. “It executes a mission plan on its own, manages flight control and throttle adjustment independent of human command, and returns to land at the push of a button.”
Program Context
Anduril became the second team in the CCA Increment 1 competition to reach flight testing, following General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Their YFQ-42A prototype had its maiden flight in August 2025 at Gray Butte, California.
Anduril’s progress signifies the growing capability of autonomous combat drones within the US Air Force’s effort to enhance fighter force effectiveness.