XQ-67A Demonstrates Autonomy and Datalink Interoperability During High Desert Flight Test

Through a tactical datalink, the aircraft received real-time updates and situational data, giving it the ability to coordinate with crewed aircraft and other autonomous systems.
July 17, 2025
2 min read

AFRL’s XQ-67A, a second-generation Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP), successfully demonstrated integration of government reference autonomy during a recent flight test in the California High Desert.

The flight showcased the integration of government-owned autonomy on the XQ-67A, paired with active tactical datalink communications, to enable dynamic mission execution and real-time coordination with both crewed and uncrewed systems. The event marked a milestone in advancing scalable, modular autonomy and seamless interoperable crewed-uncrewed teaming (C/U-T).

“This successful test underscores the Department’s commitment to fielding autonomous systems that can integrate into joint operations using existing tactical networks,” said Mike Atwood, vice president of Advanced Programs for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).

Atwood continued, “Government owned autonomy on the XQ-67A is a concrete step toward deployable, combat-relevant autonomy that works with and alongside crewed platforms.”

During the flight, the XQ-67A executed test points to validate the integration of mission systems on the aircraft, including autonomy, mission computing, networking, power and thermal management and datalinks. Through a tactical datalink, the aircraft received real-time updates and situational data, giving it the ability to coordinate with crewed aircraft and other autonomous systems.

The XQ-67A platform, built by GA-ASI under contract with AFRL, helps explore the platform sharing approach to achieving scalable affordable mass. Its performance in this flight test advances the Air Force’s vision for an integrated autonomous force that can support and augment current and future crewed platforms.

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