Airbus, in partnership with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., has completed the first flight of the “U740-Valkyrie” in Europe. Airbus and Kratos say they remain on track to deliver a combat-ready uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) by 2029, addressing the operational requirements of the German and other European armed forces.
Conducted at a test facility in northern Europe, the flight met its stated objectives, including a runway-independent rocket-assisted take-off, manoeuvres at various altitudes and speeds up to Mach 0.8, as well as in-flight mission adjustments. The flight precedes further, more complex flight tests with Airbus’ Multi-platform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure (MARS) mission system. Described by Airbus as the aircraft’s “European brain”, MARS is intended to provide full control over software, mission applications, data and system hardware, supporting German or European sovereignty in the Valkyrie’s operational use. MARS utilises AI-enhanced software to conduct missions autonomously and coordinate entire mission groups. Airbus says a strict control hierarchy ensures a human remains on the loop, with critical decisions made in compliance with established rules of engagement and ethical and legal standards.
Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said, “In an increasingly complex and contested threat environment, air forces require affordable combat mass,” adding, “By pairing Kratos’ proven airframe as a ‘program of record’ with Airbus’ sovereign European mission system, we are able to offer a robust, sovereign, affordable, and combat-ready CCA system by the end of the decade. The Valkyrie will also play a critical role in enhancing crewed combat aircraft such as the Eurofighter with extended range, firepower, and survivability. The aircraft design enables operational resilience through its rail launch capability, while offering conventional, runway based, take-off and landing as an option.”
Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said, “First flights typically include plenty of learning opportunities, but with the maturity of the Valkyrie system and the well-integrated Airbus and Kratos team, this flight was an amazing success,” adding, “We’re proud to be partnering with Airbus on the CCA opportunities in Germany and other parts of the world. Combining the strengths of Kratos and Airbus enables the affordable Valkyrie system and Kratos’ CCA and drone manufacturing legacy to evolve with MARS and Airbus’ other high-capability subsystems, experience, and extensive knowledge across the full aerospace spectrum.”
