Collins Aerospace flies Sidekick on GA-ASI YFQ-42A

Collins Aerospace flew its Sidekick mission autonomy software on a YFQ-42A uncrewed jet built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., and completed a test flight intended to support the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft effort by pairing uncrewed aircraft with crewed fighter jets to enhance sensor range, increase weapon effectiveness, and improve mission outcomes.

Autonomy mode was engaged during the trial to permit a four-hour autonomous flight that a human operator managed from the ground, and the test demonstrated integration between the autonomy software and the YFQ-42A mission systems to deliver precise piloting commands.

The solution, Sidekick, is Collins' collaborative mission autonomy software and enabled open systems collaboration between human teams and autonomous platforms; it was designed for combat-related air operations and adjusted to the pilot's working style and mission specifics.

The flight paired the uncrewed YFQ-42A with crewed fighters to extend sensor range and increase weapon effectiveness, and Collins Aerospace was selected by the U.S. Air Force to support development and testing for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, Increment 1 program.

“The rapid integration of Sidekick onto this platform to perform various combat-relevant tasks highlight the strength and adaptability of Collins' open systems approach,” said Ryan Bunge, vice president and general manager for Strategic Defense Solutions, Collins Aerospace. “The autonomy capabilities showcased in this flight highlight nearly a decade of dedicated investment and close collaboration with our customers to advance collaborative mission autonomy.”

The business was selected by the U.S. Air Force to support development and testing for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, Increment 1 program.