Miles Jamison 
Anduril and the U.S. Air Force have begun flight testing the YFQ‑44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft prototype. The aircraft moved from initial design to its first semi-autonomous flight in just 556 days, integrating autonomous capabilities early in the development process, Anduril said Friday.
What Is the YFQ‑44A and How Will Flight Tests Shape Its Role?
Built as a fighter-class aircraft, the YFQ‑44A is engineered for semi-autonomous operation in contested environments. Its autonomy system, which manages flight controls and activates return-to-base capability with minimal human input, also supports target identification, weapons integration and sustainment tracking functions.
Flight tests will validate the YFQ‑44A’s speed, maneuverability and other core capabilities, and evaluate how it coordinates with other aircraft in manned‑unmanned teaming concepts and tactics. Results will guide how autonomous aircraft are integrated and used in operational settings.
How Will Anduril Scale YFQ‑44A Production?
Anduril is creating a production system for the YFQ‑44A that pairs a common software framework, ArsenalOS, with manufacturing methods involving simple, mature and low‑risk technologies. The company has accelerated development workflows and is refining the prototype design to enhance producibility, ensuring the aircraft can be built using industry‑standard processes, a commoditized supply chain and a broad labor pool. The enhanced development timeline is in preparation for the manufacturing transition to the new Arsenal-1 production facility under construction in Columbus, Ohio. CCA prototype production at the factory will begin in the first half of 2026.
