Collaborative Combat Aircraft Takes to Air for Flight Testing

Collaborative Combat Aircraft Takes to Air for Flight Testing

In a major step toward a new era of airpower, the Department of the Air Force reached a key development milestone in its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program Aug. 27, with one of its prototype platforms taking flight in less than two years from program launch — signaling a paradigm shift in the way the Air Force acquires new weapon systems. The aircraft, designated YFQ-42A and developed with industry partners, flew at a California test site, co…

The Air Force’s Future Wingman Takes Flight

On August 27, 2025, the General Atomics YFQ-42A — one of the service’s prototype Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) — completed its first flight at a California test site. The milestone marks the beginning of flight testing for a program designed to reshape how the Air Force fights. YouTube / Media Magik Entertainment A Major Milestone The YFQ-42A flew just 18 months after General Atomics and Anduril were awarded contracts to build competing pr…

Combat Aircraft Takes to Air for Flight Testing

SEPTEMBER 1, 2025 – In a major step toward a new era of airpower, the Department of the Air Force reached a key development milestone in its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program Aug. 27, with one of its prototype platforms taking flight in less than two years from program launch — signaling a paradigm shift in the way the Air Force acquires new weapon systems. The aircraft, designated YFQ-42A and developed with industry partners, flew at a Cali…