Uncrewed Wingman Flies Combat-Style Data Test

The XQ-67A flight demonstrates integrated autonomous systems, a research-stage step toward uncrewed platforms that work with crewed fighters.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Quantum Computing

Isometric editorial illustration of a flat uncrewed wingman silhouette flying beside a crewed fighter, linked by a thin beam of light, in oxblood, teal, and mustard. — The Air Force Research Laboratory and Air Combat Command flew the XQ-67A autonomous platform over Nevada's test range, demonstrating integrated uncrewed systems on Nov. 2. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Air Force Research Laboratory and Air Combat Command's Experimental Operations Unit flew the XQ-67A Autonomous Collaborative Platform over the Nevada Test and Training Range, as announced Nov. 2, 2026. The flight was completed under the Demonstration of ACP Performance and Effectiveness project and is reported as a completed flight demonstration rather than a fielded capability.

Why it matters

The flight tested whether several mission systems could work together in a combat-style environment, a step toward uncrewed platforms that operate alongside crewed fighters. Its stated purpose is to accelerate Autonomous Collaborative Platform development in line with National Defense Strategy priorities.

The announcement describes integration of state-of-the-art sensors, mission computers, power and thermal management hardware, and Beyond Line-of-Sight datalinks, but gives no measured throughput, range, or latency figures. What was demonstrated is integration and data processing in a live flight, not a quantified performance benchmark.

The players

Air Force Research Laboratory

The Air Force's central research organization, developing autonomous architectures and sensor and datalink integration for uncrewed platforms.

Air Combat Command

The Air Force command responsible for combat air forces, which conducted the flight through its Experimental Operations Unit.

The details

The XQ-67A combined several mission systems designed to operate collaboratively, including onboard sensors and mission computers. Beyond Line-of-Sight datalinks, which relay data to and from aircraft beyond direct radio range, were integrated with live, virtual and constructive simulations, a mix of real aircraft, simulated flight and computer-generated forces, to manage uncrewed platforms across distributed theaters.

Nov. 2, 2026: Air Force Research Laboratory publicly announced the XQ-67A flight.

The Tech Race

The XQ-67A flight is a step in the Air Force's effort to field uncrewed aircraft that pair with crewed fighter formations. The source does not name a specific competing program or roadmap milestone to compare against.

The flight is a research demonstration, and the source gives no availability, pricing, or delivery date for the XQ-67A. Its practical effect for users is undetermined until the Air Force announces fielding timelines.

The takeaway

The flight shows autonomous platforms can process and relay combat-relevant data in real-world conditions. Watch for announced ACP delivery milestones and any published performance figures from the Demonstration of ACP Performance and Effectiveness project.