A US Air Force drone has fired an AIM-120 air-to-air missile at a digital target in the first live weapons release for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme. The test took place over the Mojave Desert on July 10, with the unmanned aircraft controlled by a pilot on the ground.
Human operator authorises firing
US military chiefs stressed that the aircraft was not allowed to fire autonomously but must be authorised by a human operator, who remains in control throughout the mission. The drone used during the trial, known as the YFQ-44A, had previously carried inert missiles while engineers tested its handling and communications systems before progressing to a live launch.
Programme aims to support fighter pilots
Military officials said the latest exercise proved the aircraft could safely carry out the complex sequence needed to launch a missile after receiving instructions from its operator. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach said: 'This live-fire test is an important next step in the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft.'
The programme is designed to give future fighter pilots extra support in combat by pairing them with multiple lower-cost drones capable of scouting ahead, gathering intelligence and, when instructed, engaging enemy aircraft.
Operational validation achieved
Gen. Dale White, who oversees several of the Pentagon’s major weapons programmes, said the successful launch showed the project had reached an important milestone. He said: 'These tests provide operational validation that Collaborative Combat Aircraft can execute the weapon employment sequence within pilot-defined parameters.'
The live-fire trial was carried out by the Air Force’s 412th Test Wing in restricted airspace over the Mojave Desert, where engineers and military personnel worked together to ensure the launch was conducted safely.
