General Atomics Aeronautical Systems will begin production of the FQ-42A following the award of a U.S. Air Force contract for its uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
PRODUCTION MILESTONE
Uncrewed combat aircraft programme
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has received a production contract from the U.S. Air Force for the FQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), marking the transition from development to production.
According to the company, the FQ-42A was designed, developed and flight-tested on an accelerated schedule. The aircraft features a modular design intended to enable rapid integration of mission systems and mission autonomy software while supporting human-machine teaming.
ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT
From prototype to production
GA-ASI said the aircraft progressed from contract award to first flight in 15 months. The YFQ-42A prototype completed its maiden flight in August 2025 after the company was selected in 2024 to produce flight-test aircraft for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme.
The company said the common core design can be adapted for multiple mission requirements under its Gambit Series concept, including surveillance, air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The production aircraft will carry the FQ designation, identifying it as an uncrewed fighter platform.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS
