Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 8 hrs ago
F-22 pilot takes control of Fury combat drone for the first time
An F-22 pilot took control of the Fury combat drone for the first time.
Fury is described as a combat drone in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
The headline does not say where the test took place or give further details about how it was carried out.
The test involved a pilot in an F-22 controlling an uncrewed aircraft.
It marks the first time an F-22 pilot has taken control of Fury, according to the headline.
No next steps or further plans are stated.
A US Air Force F-22 pilot gave tactical instructions to a YFQ-44A Fury combat drone in a flight test in early October 2026.
The drone’s autonomous software interpreted the instructions in real time and carried out flight manoeuvres and simulated combat missions.
The test demonstrated airborne tactical control between the F-22 and the drone, which is part of the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
The Air Force aims to have 500 combat-ready semi-autonomous CCA systems by 2032.
- Who
- A US Air Force F-22 pilot and a YFQ-44A Fury drone.
- What
- The pilot gave the drone tactical instructions in flight, which its autonomous software carried out.
- When
- Early October 2026.
- Where
- Not stated. One article says the aircraft took off from Edwards Air Force Base in California and met in the air.
- Why
- To develop and assess capabilities for manned and unmanned aircraft to operate together.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The US Air Force received its first two unmanned combat aircraft, according to one report.
An F-22 pilot gave tactical instructions to a YFQ-44A Fury in a flight test.
Fury and Vengeance aircraft are planned to be tested in the Emerald Flag exercise.
The Air Force aims to have 500 combat-ready semi-autonomous CCA systems.
- Aircraft
- F-22 Raptor and YFQ-44A Fury
- Test location
- Edwards Air Force Base, California, according to one report
- Drone developer
- Anduril
- Air Force target
- 500 combat-ready semi-autonomous CCA systems by 2032
- Planned fleet
- About 1,000 aircraft in total
4 sources
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