Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
In a major step toward a new era of airpower, the Air Force reached a key development milestone in its collaborative combat aircraft program, with one of its prototype platforms taking flight in less than two years from program launch — signaling a paradigm shift in the way the Air Force acquires new weapon systems.
The aircraft, designated YFQ-42A and developed in partnership with General Atomics, flew at a Southern California test location, contributing valuable data to continued evaluations of platform airworthiness, flight autonomy and mission system integration. This supports the Air Force’s broader initiative to field large quantities of modular, affordable and operationally relevant uncrewed aircraft designed to fly alongside crewed fifth and sixth-generation aircraft.
“This milestone showcases what’s possible when innovative acquisition meets motivated industry,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “In record time, CCA went from concept to flight — proving we can deliver combat capability at speed when we clear barriers and align around the warfighter.”
The CCA program is a key component of the Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems and reflects a new model for software-defined, modular airpower. The program is structured to leverage development from multiple vendors, reduce risk through competition, and integrate open-system architectures.
“We’re not just moving fast — we’re learning fast," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. "CCA will help us rethink the battlespace, extend reach, flexibility and lethality in combat operations, and optimize warfighter performance through human-machine teaming.”
To deliver CCA to the warfighter with unprecedented speed, the program is executing a multi-faceted learning campaign. This includes rigorous vendor-led developmental testing, independent evaluations by the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, and operational assessments by the Experimental Operations Unit at Nellis AFB, Nevada. This integrated approach ensures the force is prepared to seamlessly field and employ this capability-enhancing readiness and enabling rapid transition of combat power upon delivery of the first production aircraft.
The Air Dominance Combined Test Force at Edwards was established in 2023 as an outgrowth from the F-22 Combined Test Force. The new CTF is responsible for testing across the portfolio of advanced air combat systems, which includes the YFQ-42A aircraft.
“This milestone is a testament to the collaboration between General Atomics and the 412th Test Wing” Lt. Col. Ben Gilliand, director, Air Dominance Combined Test Force, said. “Partnerships with industry are delivering advanced capabilities at a rapid pace, and the Air Dominance CTF is developing advanced test concepts to integrate F-22 modernization, CCA and F-47.”
The Air Force previously selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics to develop production-representative prototypes under the CCA program. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected during fiscal year 2026. (412 TW/PA contributed to this story)
A YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft lands after a test flight at a California test location. The program is structured to develop modular, uncrewed aircraft designed to operate alongside fifth and sixth-generation aircraft. (Courtesy photo) 
A YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft lands after a test flight at a California test location. The program is structured to develop modular, uncrewed aircraft designed to operate alongside fifth and sixth-generation aircraft. (Courtesy photo) 
A YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft takes off during flight testing at a California test location. The aircraft was developed in partnership with General Atomics as part of the Air Force’s effort to accelerate delivery of affordable, semi-autonomous aircraft. (Courtesy photo) 
A YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft takes off during flight testing at a California test location. The aircraft was developed in partnership with General Atomics as part of the Air Force’s effort to accelerate delivery of affordable, semi-autonomous aircraft. (Courtesy photo)