XQ-58A Valkyrie Shines at Emerald Flag 2024, Showcasing Advanced Manned-Unmanned Teaming

The XQ-58A Valkyrie, an advanced unmanned tactical aircraft, has reached another pivotal milestone in the U.S. Marine Corps’ push toward integrating autonomous systems into modern warfare. During the Emerald Flag 2024 exercise held in October, the Valkyrie demonstrated cutting-edge capabilities, emphasizing its role in multi-domain operations and manned-unmanned teaming.

Emerald Flag 2024: A Testbed for Innovation

Emerald Flag 2024, a premier testing event, brought together the U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, and other defense stakeholders to evaluate emerging technologies in realistic combat scenarios. Focused on enhancing multi-domain strategies, the exercise tested the integration of air, space, and cyberspace platforms, aiming to streamline long-range "kill chains" for future conflicts.

For the first time, the XQ-58A Valkyrie operated alongside fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-35B Lightning II, proving its ability to function as a forward-deployed sensor. By leveraging a common tactical data link, the Valkyrie seamlessly communicated with a four-ship formation of F-35Bs from the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214 (VMFA-214). This connectivity enabled the Valkyrie to relay critical threat-targeting data in real-time, enhancing the situational awareness and lethality of the entire joint force.

A Leap Forward in Unmanned Tactical Aviation

The XQ-58A’s role as an uncrewed offboard sensing platform underscores its importance in advancing manned-unmanned teaming. The platform, developed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, is designed for affordability and adaptability, offering a cost-effective solution for high-risk missions.

Key specifications of the XQ-58A include:

• Length: 29.9 feet (9.1 meters)
• Wingspan: 22 feet (6.7 meters)
• Maximum Speed: Mach 0.85
• Range: Over 3,000 nautical miles
• Payload Capacity: Approximately 600 pounds, supporting munitions, sensors, and electronic warfare equipment.
• Takeoff and Landing: Operates without a runway, launched via a rail system and recovered by parachute.

These features make the Valkyrie a versatile tool for missions ranging from reconnaissance to strike operations, all while keeping human operators out of harm’s way.

Collaboration and Research Driving Success

Emerald Flag 2024 was a collaborative effort involving the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, the U.S. Air Force’s 96th Test Wing, and the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, among others. This collective endeavor aligns with the Marine Corps’ Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer – Portfolio (PAACK-P) program, aimed at rapidly developing unmanned systems for contested environments.

The Valkyrie’s performance during the event capped off the PAACK-P Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve project, solidifying its role as a game-changing platform. Lieutenant Colonel Bradley Buick, future capabilities officer for the Cunningham Group, highlighted the significance of the test, stating, “This flight proved the tactical utility of uncrewed offboard sensing platforms.”

The Road Ahead for Manned-Unmanned Integration

With its successful demonstration at Emerald Flag 2024, the XQ-58A Valkyrie continues to redefine the boundaries of unmanned tactical aviation. By bridging the gap between manned and unmanned platforms, the Valkyrie offers a glimpse into the future of warfare, where autonomous systems enhance the effectiveness and survivability of joint forces.

As the Marine Corps and its partners push the envelope in unmanned technology, the XQ-58A Valkyrie is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of combat capabilities.