Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions · United States · first flew 2019 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie is a low-cost attritable unmanned combat air vehicle developed under the US Air Force's Skyborg and Low-Cost Attritable Strike Demonstrator programmes, designed to fly alongside manned fighters and extend their reach with additional sensors, weapons, and if necessary sacrificial strike capability.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.1 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | V-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- 0 (unmanned) — low-cost attritable loyal wingman combat UAV
- V-tail and cranked-arrow wing with internal weapons bay
- Designed for teaming with F-22 and F-35 as expendable combat wingman
A sleek mid-wing single-engine jet UAV with a distinctive V-tail, a blended fuselage with an internal weapons bay, cranked-arrow outer wing panels, and no canopy; the V-tail and highly swept wing combination is immediately recognisable.
Specifications
- The Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie has a length of 9.1 m (30 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.2 m (27 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1046 km/h (650 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Kratos developed the XQ-58A under a USAF LCASD contract, achieving first flight in March 2019 at Yuma Proving Ground. Subsequent tests explored internal weapons release and autonomous teaming behaviours under the Skyborg programme. The Valkyrie has also served as the launch platform for the ALTIUS-600 small UAV, released from its internal weapons bay.
Variants
The XQ-58A is the initial demonstrator; development aircraft have been used for Skyborg autonomy testing; no production designation assigned yet.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the United States Air Force Research Laboratory for experimentation; not yet in operational squadron service.
Related aircraft
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