UAV can launch smaller drones from the side

In the United States, the results of tests of the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone, which does not need a runway for its launch, have been published for the first time. writes interesting engineering. The huge combat drone the size of a fighter jet was developed in San Diego by Kratos Defense and Security Solutions.

The main features of the giant drone, in addition to the absence of the need for a runway, is the possibility of its repeated use and modular re-equipment for various combat missions. For example, the XQ-58A Valkyrie, which is launched from a mobile platform, can be equipped with both reconnaissance and combat systems. The UAV will also serve as a means of radar warfare or a communications relay.

But the most curious feature, perhaps, is that the giant drone carries a smaller drone in its body, which can be launched directly from the Valkyrie.

As for the technical characteristics of the novelty, the XQ-58A Valkyrie has a flight range of almost 5,600 km and is able to rise into the stratosphere 14 km above the ground. The drone is launched using rocket engines, and then the main engine is connected to work. The UAV lands using special parachutes, after which the drone can be loaded onto the platform, transported to the right place and launched again. During exercises simulating the loss of communication, the drone demonstrated the ability to autonomously navigate to a given point and land within the target zone.

And the XQ-58A can also work in tandem with F-16 fighters. According to the test results, the US military liked the Valkyrie very much and they plan to include this UAV in their global Killer Drone project to combat enemy drones.

Previously Focus wrote that the British are very afraid of spy drones and deploy protection against them near infrastructure facilities.