General Atomics Begins Ground Tests of YFQ-42A Combat Drone for U.S. CCA Program

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has officially started ground testing of its latest uncrewed combat aircraft, the YFQ-42A, as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The ground testing began on 7 May 2025, marking a major step towards the aircraft’s first flight, which is scheduled for later this summer.

The YFQ-42A is a production-representative test vehicle designed to support the future of unmanned combat aviation. It represents General Atomics’ third jet-powered uncrewed aircraft and highlights the company’s ongoing partnership with the U.S. Air Force to develop next-generation autonomous systems for modern warfare.

According to David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI, the YFQ-42A project is a result of many years of close collaboration with the U.S. military. It aims to enhance the capabilities of unmanned systems and strengthen air combat operations by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies.

A Legacy of Innovation

General Atomics is well-known for its experience in unmanned systems. The company previously developed the MQ-20 Avenger, which made its first flight in 2009 and has since accumulated over 40,000 flight hours. The Avenger remains active as a testing platform for CCA autonomy and AI integration projects.

Another recent achievement is the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS), which took its maiden flight in early 2024. This jet is designed for flexible mission roles and uses a shared platform, or “genus”, allowing quick modifications for different tasks, such as surveillance, jamming, or strike missions. This modular approach reduces production costs and accelerates delivery timelines, a strategy borrowed from the automotive industry to improve military aviation development.

YFQ-42A Specifications and Features

While full technical details of the YFQ-42A remain classified, some expected specifications and features include:

• Type: Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV)

• Role: Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), designed to work alongside manned fighters like the F-35 and F-22

• Propulsion: Jet-powered, likely using a high-performance, efficient turbofan engine

• Speed: Estimated to reach near-supersonic speeds

• Stealth: Shaped with radar-reducing features for low observability

• Payload Capacity: Configurable internal and external weapon bays for precision-guided munitions, air-to-air missiles, and sensors

• Autonomy: Equipped with advanced AI and ML systems for autonomous mission execution and teaming with piloted aircraft

• Endurance: Designed for long-range missions, exact range undisclosed but expected to be over 1,000 nautical miles

GA-ASI’s Growing Influence

With the addition of the YFQ-42A to its fleet, General Atomics continues to expand its presence in the defense aviation industry. The company operates a 5 million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Poway, California, producing over 100 aircraft annually. Its global fleet has recorded nearly 9 million flight hours, with more than 50 aircraft in the sky at any given time.

The YFQ-42A marks a bold step into the future of aerial combat, where unmanned aircraft will fly alongside traditional fighters, share data in real time, and engage in complex missions — all while reducing risks to human pilots. As ground testing progresses, the YFQ-42A is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of air warfare and unmanned systems.