US Air Force designates Anduril's CCA prototype YFQ-44A, among the first 'unmanned fighter' designations

Anduril Industries/YFQ-44A Fury

The US Air Force designated General Atomics' Collaborative Combat Aircraft prototype YFQ-42A and Anduril's Fury YFQ-44A, the first aircraft ever given the FQ (unmanned fighter) designation. The Y marks prototypes; the designation will drop to FQ-44A upon production of the first operationally representative aircraft. The Air Force plans to buy at least 1,000 such drones to fly ahead of crewed jets, with first flights expected in summer 2025.

• YFQ-44A is Anduril's Fury, making FQ the first-ever unmanned fighter designation in military aviation history.
• Y in YFQ-44A indicates prototype status; becomes FQ-44A with production of operational aircraft.
• Air Force plans to procure at least 1,000 collaborative combat aircraft to fly ahead of crewed fighters.
• First flights expected in summer 2025; program addresses near-peer competition in air superiority.