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Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie (XQ-222)

2020 MODERN AIRCRAFT DRONE TECHNOLOGY FUTURE FLIGHT

Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie (XQ-222) Story

As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) eventually matured into information, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms on active battlefields, consideration began to arm these systems, giving rise to the unmanned combat vehicle (UNV) subcategory UCAV) . Now, as UCAV designs mature, the concept of reusable/disposable "swarm" drones is taking shape. Companies like Kratos are trying to be at the forefront of such initiatives, leveraging their experience in delivering high-performance unmanned targets to the U.S. military.

The XQ-58 (previously known as "XQ-222") is an economical unmanned aerial system developed by the company under a contract with the U.S. Air Force capable of passing precise Guided munitions penetrate light.

The advantages of this product are many, but mainly focus on low cost/low project risk and ease of mass production. There's also the added benefit of not risking people entering contested airspace in the event of a drone being lost.

These fleets of attack drones, and in some cases manned aircraft, are expected to flood the target area with bombs before the main force arrives, overwhelming enemy defenses and strategic positions.

The aircraft is based on the artistic concept of the XQ-58, with a sloping fuselage tapering at both ends. An air intake sits on the spine to suck a putative turbojet unit into it (the engine is likely to be an off-the-shelf replacement engine). There will be an internal bomb bay in the belly, and underwing hardpoints will also be present. The tail is integrated into the fuselage, with a vertical tail that slopes outward - no horizontal tail.

The main wing aircraft were swept back and positioned near the midship.

The system is designed for a maximum range of 3,000 miles and a war load of up to 500 pounds. Top speed will be subsonic. The plane does not require a ready-to-run facility - it must be launched with rocket assistance and recovered by parachute.

Given Kratos' experience developing military-grade targeting drones that mimic the actions and reactions of enemy aircraft, the XQ-58 should benefit greatly in evading air defenses.

XQ-58 redesigned from scratch (clean table design). Specs shown include an overall length of 29 feet and a wingspan of 22 feet. The stated top speed is Mach 0.85. The minimum height is 50 feet and the maximum height is 45,000 feet.

In addition to strike capabilities, given Kratos' past experience with drones, the XQ-58 also has the potential to engage air targets in direct air-to-air combat.