General Atomics CEO Provides CCA Test and Export Market Update at Dubai Airshow

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. presented its YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft at the Dubai Airshow in the United Arab Emirates in November. The appearance is part of a broader Middle East tour aimed at expanding the growing regional interest in collaborative unmanned systems.

General Atomics recently revealed a strike focused variant within its Gambit drone family. Known as Gambit 6, this newest design uses a shared airframe and modular mission kits and is intended for international customers.

Alexander also highlighted recent testing milestones, including a mission where an MQ 20 Avenger operated under the direction of an F 22 Raptor pilot. The drone was guided through a tablet positioned on the pilots knee. The F 22 community is expected to become the first operational airborne controllers for future USAF collaborative combat aircraft.

This demonstration took place earlier in the year on the Nevada Test and Training Range. According to Alexander, General Atomics funded the trial internally and views the MQ 20 Avenger as an effective surrogate platform for developing tactics and procedures linking crewed fighters with autonomous wingmen.

Author: Noah Whitman