General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) was one of two companies, along with Anduril Industries, to be awarded a contract last year to continue developing the “Collaborative Combat Aircraft” (CCA).
The United States Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program has reached a new milestone, as one of the two prototypes has begun flight testing. The Air Force announced on Wednesday that the General Atomics YFQ-42A “flew at a California test location,” and contributed “valuable data” that will be used to evaluate the platform’s “airworthiness, flight autonomy and mission system integration.”
Testing is expected to continue.
“This milestone showcases what’s possible when innovative acquisition meets motivated industry,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “In record time, CCA went from concept to flight — proving we can deliver combat capability at speed when we clear barriers and align around the warfighter.”
General Atomics Is Developing a “Loyal Wingman” for the F-35
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) was one of two companies, along with Anduril Industries, to be awarded a contract last year to continue developing CCA. The CCA, designed for affordability and scalability, aims to deliver at least 1,000 units by 2030. Operating as “loyal wingmen” drones to manned US aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II, the CCA will support manned fighters in roles like reconnaissance and decoy operations, with an emphasis on cost-effective mass production.
The GA-ASI “Gambit” UAS, which was officially designated the YFQ-42A earlier this year—along with Anduril’s “Fury” (now designated YFQ-44A)—passed the critical design review last fall. Each has been undergoing ground tests, focusing on the respective prototypes’ propulsion systems, avionics, autonomy integration, and ground control interfaces. Those assessments were intended to validate performance and inform future design decisions before flight testing. The YFQ-42A has now taken to the air, transitioning to the next phase of testing.
While it is unclear when the YFQ-44A will make its maiden flight, the program continues to move forward with development testing led by the respective vendors, along with independent evaluations being carried out at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), California, where the flight testing is likely to occur.
“This is More Air Force in action,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “We’re not just moving fast — we’re learning fast. CCA will help us rethink the battlespace, extend reach, flexibility, and lethality in combat operations, and optimize warfighter performance through human-machine teaming.”
The US Air Force Set Up a New Unit to Oversee Test Flights
In June, the Air Force activated the Experimental Operations Unit. The new squadron will conduct test operations of the CCA, the unmanned aerial system (UAS) that will serve alongside the service’s fleet of fifth- and sixth-generation aircraft, including the Air Force’s F-47 and the Navy’s F/A-XX.
The EOU was formally activated as a component of the 53rd Wing during a ceremony last week at Nellis AFB, Nevada. It had previously operated as a detachment since 2023, but will now conduct the operational assessment of the CCA program.
“This integrated approach ensures the force is prepared to seamlessly field and employ this capability-enhancing readiness and enabling rapid transition of combat power upon delivery of the first production aircraft,” the Air Force explained.
Auduril’s “Fury” and GA-ASI’s “Gambit” were selected over competing offerings from Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. The current timeline calls for a production contract to be awarded during fiscal year 2026 (FY26), which begins on October 1, 2025, while the Air Force has called for the CCA to enter service by 2030.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
