Kratos Defense XQ-58 Valkyrie — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Kratos Defense |
|---|---|
| Model | XQ-58 Valkyrie |
| Year | 2019 |
| Category | Defence Tactical, Aerial |
| Autonomy | fully-autonomous |
| Environment | outdoor |
| Connectivity | Encrypted RF |
| Country of origin | US |
Key features
- Autonomous loyal wingman drone for manned fighters
- Low cost vs manned aircraft — expendable design
- Internal weapons bay capacity
- Supersonic capable
- USAF Collaborative Combat Aircraft candidate
- Multiple successful USAF flight test programmes
- Designed for attritable mass-employment doctrine
What is it?
The Kratos Defense XQ-58 Valkyrie is a low-cost expendable autonomous drone designed as a wingman for manned fighter aircraft. Developed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and introduced in 2019, the Valkyrie is a part of the U.S. Air Force's Loyal Wingman and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programs. Its primary role is to conduct missions alongside human pilots, extending the capabilities of manned platforms through enhanced situational awareness, multi-role mission applications, and reduced operational risks, all at a significantly lower cost compared to traditional manned aircraft.
The Valkyrie's design emphasizes expendability and recovery through its attritable mass-employment doctrine, allowing militaries to deploy it in various combat scenarios without the high costs associated with piloted aircraft. With multiple successful flight test programs, including demonstrations of its autonomous flight capabilities and weapons carriage, the Valkyrie has established itself as a leading candidate for future USAF CCA production contracts, aiming to enhance air combat effectiveness through integrated operations.
Key specs
- Autonomy Level: Fully autonomous
- Environment: Outdoor
- Connectivity: Encrypted RF
- Country of Origin: United States
- Introduced: 2019
- Purchase Type: B2B RFQ
- Weapons Bay Capacity: Internal
- Speed: Supersonic capable
- Cost: Not publicly listed
- Role: Expendable loyal wingman for manned aircraft
Limitations
- Cost: The price is not publicly disclosed, making budget estimates challenging for potential buyers.
- Operational Constraints: The Valkyrie is designed primarily for outdoor environments, limiting its use to specific operational theaters.
- Market Availability: As a prototype and candidate for future production contracts, its availability in operational form is subject to further U.S. Air Force validation and procurement decisions.
- Support: Ongoing maintenance and operational support details are not widely available for potential users looking to integrate the system into existing military frameworks.
FAQ
How much does the Kratos Defense XQ-58 Valkyrie cost?
The price for the Kratos Defense XQ-58 Valkyrie is not publicly listed, reflecting its status as a prototype designed for military applications.
What is the Kratos Defense XQ-58 Valkyrie used for?
The Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie serves as an autonomous drone wingman designed to supplement manned fighter aircraft, particularly in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions as part of the USAF's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
What are the key specifications of the Kratos Defense XQ-58 Valkyrie?
The Kratos Defense XQ-58 Valkyrie is a fully-autonomous drone capable of supersonic flight and features an internal weapons bay for armaments, designed in alignment with the USAF's attritable mass-employment doctrine.
Who is the Kratos Defense XQ-58 Valkyrie designed for?
The Kratos Defense XQ-58 Valkyrie is specifically designed for military applications, making it ideal for the U.S. Air Force and allied forces seeking cost-effective solutions to enhance aerial combat capabilities.
How does the Kratos Defense XQ-58 Valkyrie compare to traditional manned aircraft?
Compared to traditional manned aircraft, the XQ-58 Valkyrie is designed to be low-cost and expendable, offering a significant advantage in operational expenses while still providing fully autonomous flight capabilities.