According to Defence Blog, the UCAV will undergo four more tests evaluating electronic support for USMC’s F-35B STOVL fighter jets. XQ-58A is projected to carry out electronic warfare and firepower support duties in the USMC service.
Unlike other jet-powered UCAVs, the XQ-58A is launched with rocket boosters, removing the dependence on the runway. The lightweight platform lands using an onboard parachute. There is a proposal to base the UCAV and its launcher inside containers, which works by moving the partially disassembled fuselage mounted on the launch rail out and assembling the UAV for launch.
So far, XQ-58A has been tested alongside manned fighters and dropped the ALTIUS-600 loitering munition from its internal bay. Up to 544 kg of payload can be carried inside the internal bay and underwing.
USMC aims to employ XQ-58A to support F-35B and a semi-expendable aircraft for risky missions due to significantly lower costs than manned fighters. The manufacturer claims that each unit costs $6.7 million. Alongside USMC, the Army and Air Force will also use the UCAV.
USMC’s XQ-58A Valkyrie UCAV Makes Second Test Flight
