The US Marine Corps has decided to arm itself with XQ-58A Valkyrie attack drones. About some service plans
What is known
At the end of last year it became known about the programPenetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer. As part of this project, the US Marine Corps is looking for ways to support assault troops. For this, the service ordered two XQ-58A Valkyrie drones.
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The Marine Corps will usedrones as an electronic warfare platform along with fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters. In particular, with the F-35B and F-35C. The first version of the aircraft has a short takeoff and vertical landing, and the second has several features due to being based on aircraft carriers.
The XQ-58A stealth drone takes off with a catapult andlanding by parachute system. This means it doesn't need a runway. The combination of the Valkyrie and the fifth-generation F-35 B/C fighter provides a huge leap in capability without increasing infrastructure requirements.
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All services that use different versionsF-35 fighters are seeking to obtain advanced electronic warfare systems as soon as possible. The use of the drone as an electronic warfare platform will dramatically increase the list of potential tactics and capabilities that will provide improved F-35 survivability against advanced enemy air defense systems.
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XQ-58A Valkyrie will be able to operate ahead inas bait and launch your own drones. They can act as weapons or interfere. It is possible that the Valkyrie's weapons bay will be converted to electronic warfare systems and additional fuel tanks to increase the cruising range.
In addition, the XQ-58A Valkyrie usesmultifunctional data link (MADL), like the fifth generation fighter F-35. This should simplify the process of establishing joint operation of manned and unmanned aerial vehicles.
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The MADL channel is difficult to mute, allowingensure a steady flow of data between the F-35 and the Valkyrie. This will be useful in conditions of intense electronic warfare, when space communications will be at risk.
Of course, the focus on radio-electronicthe fight may just be the beginning of a collaboration between the XQ-58A and the F-35, which are in service with the US Marine Corps. It is possible that drones will perform other roles.
Kratos Defense & Security Solutionsconfirmed receipt of an additional contract. This agreement with the US Marine Corps focuses on "sensors, mission systems and subsystem integration." By the way, we do not know which version of the XQ-58 Valkyrie the service ordered. Perhaps we are talking about the Block 2 drone that the company’s CEO mentioned.