Jet-powered drone can fly at more than 1,100kph

US Air Force hopes fleets of AI-guided drones will soon be operational

Another view of the aircraft taking off in tandem. Photo: US Air Force

The XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrates the separation of the Altius-600 small unmanned aircraft in a test by the US military over Arizona. This test was the first time the weapon's bay doors were opened in flight. Photo: US Air Force

A F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II fly in formation with the XQ-58A Valkyrie. Photo: US Air Force

This integrated test followed a series of ground tests that began last year. Photo: US Air Force

The XQ-58A Valkyrie on its second test flight. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. and the Air Force Research Laboratory received an Aviation Week Network Laureate Award for this concept aircraft. Photo: US Air Force

The Valkyrie takes off. Photo: US Air Force

Parts of the machine are delivered to the National Museum of the US Air Force. Photo: US Air Force

The Skyborg autonomy core system launches aboard a Kratos UTAP-22 tactical unmanned vehicle at Tyndall AFB, Florida. Photo: US Air Force

Kratos UTAP-22 Mako in close proximity to F-16. Photo: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc

The Boeing Australia, Airpower Teaming System – ‘Loyal Wingman’ conducts its first flight at Woomera Range Complex, South Australia. Photo: Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

The ‘Loyal Wingman’ flies over the barren South Australian desert. Photo: Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

The Boeing Australia flying high. Photo: Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

A US defence contractor has released remarkable footage of a jet-powered drone capable of flying more 1,100 kilometres an hour.

The UTAP-22 Mako is guided by artificial intelligence, say its designers Kratos Defence and Security Solutions.

The AFRL's #Skyborg team just released aerial footage of the UTAP-22 supporting the Autonomous Attritable Aircraft Experimentation campaign. The 2+ hour first flight earlier this year was the first time the UTAP 22 had flown with the Skyborg autonomy core system payload. #ASC21 pic.twitter.com/Rjm2fG9hqc

— Air Power (@MIL_STD) September 20, 2021

The drone's two-hour test flight was part of a US Air Force plan called Skyborg. This aims to use swarms of unmanned jet aircraft to accompany stealth planes, flying autonomously alongside them using the Skyborg autonomy core system computer (ACS).

They can also take commands from a pilot through an encrypted datalink, flying alongside as "loyal wingmen".

The ACS is supposed to enable the drones to learn how to fly alongside manned aircraft, mimicking how human pilots fly. This could boost stealth mission reconnaissance and firepower.

The first version of the UTAP-22 was developed long before this technology was available. Like many combat drones, it was initially developed as an aircraft to be used as target practice.

A similar test was conducted in May, according to the US Air Force, in which the ACS “demonstrated basic aviation capabilities and responded to navigational commands".

The drone also demonstrated "co-ordinated manoeuvring" with the manned aircraft, the US Air Force said.

A newer version of the drone, which will incorporate stealth technology – the XQ-58 Valkyrie – is also being tested to use ACS alongside US aircraft such as the F-35 stealth fighter.

The US Air Force hopes the Valkyrie will be able to sustain operations with an altitude of 50,000 feet.