Giant UAV Valkyrie being tested: It can take off from anywhere (video)

Test results of the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone, which does not need a runway for launch, for the first time in the United States, writes Interest Engineering. The massive fighter jet the size of a fighter jet was developed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in San Diego.

The main features of the giant drone are that besides not needing a runway, it can be used repeatedly and modularly re-equipped for various combat missions. For example, the XQ-58A Valkyrie, launched from a mobile platform, can be equipped with both reconnaissance and combat systems. The UAV will also serve as a radar combat vehicle or a communications relay.

However, perhaps the most curious feature is that the giant drone carries a smaller drone in its body and is a drone that can be launched directly from Valkyrie.

As for the technical characteristics of the novelty, the XQ-58A Valkyrie has a flight range of about 5,600 km and can rise into the stratosphere at an altitude of 14 km from the ground. The drone is launched using rocket engines, and then the main engine is connected to work. The UAV lands with special parachutes, then can be loaded onto the platform, transported to the right place and launched again. During exercises simulating loss of communication, the drone demonstrated its ability to autonomously navigate to a specific point and land within the target area.

In addition, the XQ-58A can operate with F-16 warplanes. According to the test results, the US military liked the Valkyrie very much and plans to include this UAV in the global Killer Drone project to combat enemy drones.

Previously Focus He wrote that the British were very afraid of spy drones and deployed guards against them near infrastructure facilities.