U.S. Air Force Unveils Hypersonic Next-Gen Uncrewed Fighter Prototypes

In a major step toward the future of air warfare, the U.S. Air Force has officially designated its first next-generation uncrewed fighter prototypes under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The two prototypes, named YFQ-42A (developed by General Atomics) and YFQ-44A (developed by Anduril), were unveiled on March 3 and are set to undergo flight testing this summer.

These cutting-edge aircraft are designed to operate alongside traditional piloted fighter jets, providing advanced support in combat scenarios. Equipped with autonomous capabilities, they will enhance human-machine teaming and boost the Air Force’s ability to dominate contested airspaces in future conflicts.

The aircraft's designations follow the Air Force’s standard Mission Design Series (MDS) system:

• "Y" indicates prototype status.
• "F" classifies them as fighters.
• "Q" confirms their uncrewed nature.

Once these prototypes move into production, the "Y" prefix will be dropped, reflecting their operational deployment.

Air Force Chief of Staff General David W. Allvin highlighted the speed and efficiency behind the program, stating that these aircraft moved from concept to prototype in under two years—a rapid pace for military aviation development. He remarked, “It may be just symbolic, but we are telling the world we are leaning into a new chapter of aerial warfare.”

The Air Force is closely working with industry partners to refine the aircraft’s capabilities, ensuring they meet the demands of modern warfare. The data gathered from the upcoming flight tests will be instrumental in shaping the future of the CCA program, reinforcing the U.S. Air Force’s commitment to airpower innovation in an era of autonomous combat aviation.