First Flight of Airbus U740 Valkyrie Marks Progress Towards 2029 Combat Readiness
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- TheWarZone
Airbus and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions have successfully completed the inaugural flight of the U740 Valkyrie, a European variant of the XQ-58A Valkyrie. This milestone is part of their initiative to deliver a combat-ready system to Germany by 2029, coinciding with the German Air Force's efforts to enhance its uncrewed aircraft capabilities.
The significance of this flight lies in its potential to transform Germany's military capabilities, as the U740 aims to provide a sovereign European solution for combat drones. With a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 3,000 kilograms and a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers, the U740 is designed to operate autonomously or in coordination with crewed fighters, enhancing the operational flexibility of the Luftwaffe.
Looking ahead, the next phase will involve the integration of Airbus' MARS mission system, which is crucial for autonomous operations and mission management. The companies face the challenge of ensuring effective collaboration with crewed aircraft and completing further testing to meet the 2029 deadline for combat readiness.
Original report
European U740 Variant Of The XQ-58A Valkyrie Has Flown
TheWarZone · Thomas NewdickThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
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