The XQ-67A is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and belongs to the second-generation class of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP). The airframe was built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and is designed for Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) missions.
XQ-67A (General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.)
History and Development
The first flight of the XQ-67A took place on February 28, 2024, at the Gray Butte Flight Operations Facility near Palmdale, California. This flight marked the second phase of the AFRL’s development efforts for low-cost, combat-capable unmanned aircraft, following the XQ-58A Valkyrie program. The XQ-67A is distinguished as the first air vehicle developed under the "genus-species" design approach. Inspired by the automotive industry, this approach involves creating a common core platform (genus) onto which various mission-specific kits (species) can be integrated.
Technical Features and System Integration
The design of the XQ-67A allows for modular and rapid integration of key mission systems, including autonomy, mission computing, networking, power and thermal management, and data links. The platform supports real-time information exchange through tactical datalinks, enabling coordination with both manned and unmanned systems.
Flight Testing and Performance
During a flight test conducted on July 16, 2025, in the California High Desert, the XQ-67A was equipped with a government-owned autonomy software package. During this test, the vehicle successfully executed its internal mission control algorithms and responded dynamically to real-time mission updates received via tactical datalinks. This event was considered a significant milestone in demonstrating interoperability between manned and unmanned systems.
Strategic Importance
The XQ-67A serves as a critical testbed in support of the Air Force’s vision for a low-cost, rapidly producible fleet of interoperable air vehicles. Its development continues the objectives of the Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technologies (LCAAT) and Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing (LCAAPS) programs, which aim to accelerate and reduce the cost of military aircraft development compared to traditional acquisition models.
Applications and Mission Roles
The XQ-67A is a multi-role autonomous air platform developed under the Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming (C/U-T) concept, intended to enhance cooperative operations between manned and unmanned systems. Thanks to its low-cost production and modular design, the XQ-67A is suitable for a wide range of missions. Primary roles include:
- Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR):
- With integrated sensor systems, the platform can conduct extended-area surveillance and deliver real-time intelligence, supporting both battlefield awareness and border security operations.
- Target Identification and Designation:
- The XQ-67A can detect and mark targets in forward areas and relay positional data to manned systems, enabling precision strikes.
- Electronic Warfare:
- The platform can be configured with electronic warfare payloads capable of jamming, suppressing, and deceiving enemy radar and communication systems—thereby reducing the risk exposure for manned aircraft in high-threat environments.
- Strike Support (Off-Board Weapon Station):
- In the OBWS configuration, the platform can be adapted for munition carriage and target engagement, providing direct combat support capabilities.
Network-Centric Capabilities
Equipped with advanced tactical datalink systems, the XQ-67A functions as an airborne “data node” within a network-centric warfare architecture. It can exchange information with other assets in real time, contributing to shared operational awareness and collaborative targeting.
Affordability and Force Multiplication
A core strategic objective in the development of the XQ-67A is the “affordable mass” concept. Its ability to be produced in large numbers at lower cost compared to traditional manned systems allows air forces to enhance force projection and achieve numerical superiority. This supports deterrence strategies and provides a saturation advantage against enemy systems in high-intensity conflict environments.
