AssetID: 55866172
Headline: The future of air combat? US fires missile from pilot-controlled drone
Caption: **VIDEO AVAILABLE. CONTACT INFO@COVERMG.COM TO RECEIVE.** WORDS BYLINE: Hayley Chamberlain The US Air Force has taken a major step towards the future of aerial warfare after successfully firing a missile from a next-generation combat drone during a live-fire test. The pilot-controlled aircraft launched an AIM-120 air-to-air missile at a digital target during trials over the Mojave Desert in California on July 10th. The test marks the first live weapons release for the Air Force's new Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme, which is developing semi-autonomous drones designed to fly alongside crewed fighter jets. Despite their advanced technology, military chiefs stressed the aircraft are not allowed to decide when to fire. Instead, every weapon release must be authorised by a human operator, who remains in control of the drone throughout the mission. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach said: "This live-fire test is an important next step in the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft. "We're one step closer to delivering capabilities to the warfighter." The drone used during the trial, known as the YFQ-44A, had previously carried inert missiles while engineers tested its handling and communications systems before progressing to a live launch. Military officials said the latest exercise proved the aircraft could safely carry out the complex sequence needed to launch a missile after receiving instructions from its operator. The programme is designed to give future fighter pilots extra support in combat by pairing them with multiple lower-cost drones capable of scouting ahead, gathering intelligence and, when instructed, engaging enemy aircraft. Gen. Dale White, who oversees several of the Pentagon's major weapons programmes, said the successful launch showed the project had reached an important milestone. He said: "These tests provide operational validation that Collaborative Combat Aircraft can execute the weapon employment sequence within pilot-defined parameters." The live-fire trial was carried out by the Air Force's 412th Test Wing in restricted airspace over the Mojave Desert, where engineers and military personnel worked together to ensure the launch was conducted safely. The test is the latest milestone in the Pentagon's efforts to field a new generation of semi-autonomous aircraft that can fly alongside traditional fighter jets while remaining under human control.
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