General Atomics Unveils Advanced XQ-67A Stealth Drone for U.S. Air Force's Secretive Program

Defense News ,U.S :- General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has revealed images of its latest creation, the fully-constructed XQ-67A, an advanced air combat drone developed under a contract to support the U.S. Air Force's covert Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) program.

The XQ-67A stands out as a stealthy, high-performance drone tailored for extended-range, high-altitude missions. Featuring a distinctive delta-wing design, a single engine, and internal weapons bays, the drone is equipped with an array of cutting-edge sensors, including radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR), and signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems.

While there hasn't been an explicit confirmation, previous indications suggest that the XQ-67A leverages the company's ongoing work on Gambit, an innovative family of advanced drones with different airframes that can be integrated into a modular common 'core' chassis.

Highlighted by a pair of air data probes on the nose and high-visibility orange markings on its wings and tail, typical of an aircraft undergoing flight testing, the XQ-67A's overall markings closely resemble those seen on the Air Force's XQ-58As and those currently operated by the U.S. Marine Corps.

The release of images showcasing the XQ-67A marks a significant milestone in the continual evolution of advanced air combat drones. The capabilities of this drone are poised to influence the future landscape of warfare, attracting close attention from military forces globally.

While the OBSS program remains classified, limiting available information on the XQ-67A's specific capabilities or intended use, the unveiling of these images suggests that the drone is approaching the flight testing phase. Further details are anticipated to emerge in the coming months, shedding more light on the remarkable features and potential applications of this cutting-edge drone.