Tag: YFQ-42A

General Atomics Names YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft ‘Dark Merlin’

Aviation Week reports, “General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) announced Feb. 23 that its collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) has a name: the Dark Merlin. The GA-ASI YFQ-42A is one of two CCAs being developed for the U.S. Air Force’s first increment of its program, along with the Anduril YFA-44A. After first flights in 2025, both of the prototypes now await a potential production award in 2026.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)



 Video

The YFQ-42A drone by General Atomics
(Techno Thunder; YouTube)

General Atomics’ YFQ-42A Performs First Flight Test

Aviation Week reports, “Flight testing for the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) began Aug. 27, with the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. YFQ-42A taking off for the first time. The company, in an announcement after the close of business, confirmed the aircraft conducted flight testing in coordination with the U.S. Air Force.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)

 Video

YFQ-42A unmanned fighter conducting flight testing
Media Magik Entertainment; YouTube