US Air Force Completes First Live-Fire Missile Test for Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The US Air Force has successfully conducted the first live-fire missile test of a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) in the Mojave Desert. Anduril Industries' YFQ-44A 'Fury' autonomous combat drone fired an AIM-120 AMRAAM beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile against a digitally simulated target. The milestone marks the CCA program's first entry into live weapons employment, with human operators retaining final authority over the missile release decision.
Highlights
- The US Air Force conducted the first-ever live-fire missile test by a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) in the Mojave Desert.
- Anduril Industries' YFQ-44A 'Fury' successfully fired an AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile against a digitally simulated target.
- The YFQ-44A is one of two prototypes selected under the US Air Force's CCA Increment 1 program, designed as a Loyal Wingman for F-35 and F-22 operations.
- Anduril's Lattice software provided target-tracking data to the YFQ-44A throughout the engagement sequence.
- Human-in-the-Loop control was maintained: a human operator held final authority over the missile release command.
US Air Force Successfully Conducts First Live-Fire Missile Test for Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The US Air Force has achieved a historic milestone in the Mojave Desert, successfully completing the first live-fire missile test carried out by a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The test was performed by Anduril Industries' YFQ-44A 'Fury' autonomous combat drone, which fired an AIM-120 AMRAAM beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile against a digitally simulated target.
Test Background and Significance
Building on previous trials involving inert missile carriage and data-link verification, this test marks the first time the CCA program has formally entered the live weapons employment phase. According to the US Air Force, the test validated the aircraft's full capability to carry, integrate, and fire air-to-air missiles within a human-commanded operational framework.
The Role of the YFQ-44A 'Fury'
The YFQ-44A is one of two CCA prototype platforms selected under the US Air Force's CCA Increment 1 program. Developed by Anduril Industries, the autonomous aircraft is positioned as a 'Loyal Wingman,' designed to operate alongside crewed fighters such as the F-35 and F-22 to extend their sensor reach, survivability, and weapons payload capacity while taking on higher-risk mission tasks.
Lattice Software's Critical Role in the Mission
Anduril stated that the YFQ-44A received target-tracking data through the company's proprietary Lattice software and completed the engagement sequence against the simulated target. Both Anduril and the US Air Force emphasized that, although the aircraft is capable of autonomously executing multiple steps within the engagement sequence, the final authorization to release the missile remained directly in the hands of a human operator, who issued the weapon release command.
Looking Ahead
The successful test lays critical groundwork for the CCA program's future operational integration, and reaffirms the core principle of 'Human-in-the-Loop' authority within AI-assisted autonomous combat systems. As the manned/unmanned teaming concept continues to mature, the YFQ-44A's test progress will remain a focal point for the international military aviation community.
Sources: Anduril Industries / US Air Force
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