The US Air Force’s modernization program took a decisive step after another demonstration in which the F-22 controls the MQ-20, reinforcing the fighter’s role as the first air controller of the future fleet of CCA (Collaborative Combat Aircraft) drones.
In recent events at the Nevada Test and Training Range, a pilot commanded an MQ-20 Avenger drone in real time directly from the cockpit of the F-22, in a simulated combat mission that marked yet another advance in the integration between manned and unmanned aircraft.
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The operation used software-defined radios from L3Harrisconnected by open interfaces of the Lockheed Martinas well as a tablet Pilot Vehicle Interface integrated into the module GRACE do F-22. This set allowed the pilot to transmit commands to the drone throughout the flight, demonstrating a non-proprietary, reusable communication architecture aligned with the concept of Open Mission Systems. O MQ-20used for years as a testing platform, once again demonstrated maturity in autonomy and collaborative control.
A General Atomicsresponsible for Avengerhighlighted that the aircraft serves as an autonomy accelerator, flying regularly in configuration CCA. Created as a faster and stealthier successor to the line Predatoro MQ-20 it is powered by a turbofan Pratt & Whitney and can operate from short runways, carry around 1,360 kg of weapons or sensors and maintain missions longer than 20 hours. Its stealthy design and rapid redeployment capability make it ideal for surveillance missions, time-sensitive strike and supporting operations in contested airspace.
Meanwhile, the Air Force has already defined that the F-22 will be the first fighter to command drones CCA in real operations, even before the arrival of sixth generation fighters. Recent documents sent to Congress show a 10-year plan that prioritizes the integration of hundreds of drones into the American arsenal, with models YFQ-42A e YFQ-44Adeveloped by General Atomics and by On the sensoralready undergoing flight tests. The intention is for the first operational CCAs to enter service by the end of the decade.
With the increasing sophistication of adversary air defenses, the US is betting on the combination of advanced fighters and autonomous drones as force multipliers and means of reducing risks in critical missions. For American industry, the demonstration reinforces that the country maintains a significant technological advantage, while the F-22 advances towards its role as the central hub of the collaborative air operations of the future.
Source: UK Defence Journal / The War Zone | Photo: @Osint613 | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
