XQ-58A Valkyrie Drone

Manufacturer: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed ~Mach 0.72
Endurance ~8–10 hours (estimated)
Operational Range 3,000+ km
Payload Capacity ~272 kg (600 lb)

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	XQ-58A Valkyrie
Manufacturer	Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Stealth Loyal-Wingman Combat UAV
First Flight / Introduced	2019
Status	Testing / Limited Evaluation
Unit Cost	USD 2–4 Million (Approx.)

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	~Mach 0.72
Cruise Speed	High-Subsonic
Operational Range	3,000+ km
Endurance	8–10 hours (est.)
Service Ceiling	~45,000 ft
Rate of Climb	N/A (Not Disclosed)

3. Dimensions

Length	28 ft (8.5 m)
Wingspan	22 ft (6.7 m)
Height	~6 ft (1.8 m)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	~2,722 kg

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	272 kg (600 lb)
Hardpoints	2 internal bays
Weapons	Small Diameter Bombs, Precision-Guided Munitions
Sensors	EO/IR, EW Payloads, ISR Modules
Avionics	AI-Assisted Mission System, GPS/INS, Secure Datalinks

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Turbofan (Specific undisclosed)
Engine Power	Classified
Propeller Type	N/A (Jet-powered)

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote / Autonomous AI-Assisted
Data Link Range	Secure LOS / SATCOM BLOS
Navigation	GPS / INS
Ground Control Station	Mobile or Fixed Control Unit

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	United States Air Force
Combat Proven	No (Testing Phase)
Notable Operations	Loyal Wingman Trials, Autonomous Tests

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 9 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 7 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10

PROS

Low-cost, attritable combat drone
Stealthy airframe with internal weapons bay
Loyal-wingman capability with manned fighters
Runway-independent launch and recovery
Modular payload options for multirole missions

CONS

Limited payload compared to larger UCAVs
Still under testing; not fully operational
Reliant on secure datalinks for complex missions
Subsonic speed limits high-intensity engagements
Not yet combat-proven

XQ-58A Valkyrie Loyal Wingman Drone

The XQ-58A features a stealth-optimized fuselage, internal weapons bays, and modular payload options that allow it to conduct reconnaissance, electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), and precision strike missions. With a top speed of Mach 0.72, a range of over 3,000+ nautical miles, and the ability to be launched without a conventional runway, the Valkyrie offers unmatched mission flexibility.

The drone operates via advanced AI-assisted autonomy, enabling semi-independent decision-making when flying alongside crewed fighters. Its internal bay can carry precision-guided munitions, small-diameter bombs, or ISR payloads. Additionally, the Valkyrie has demonstrated airborne launch of smaller drones, reinforcing its role in future drone swarm and distributed combat operations.

Designed for affordability, survivability, and rapid deployment, the XQ-58A is positioned as one of the U.S. Air Force’s most important next-generation unmanned combat assets.

XQ-58A Valkyrie Price

The XQ-58A Valkyrie, developed under the U.S. Air Force’s Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) program, represents a major shift in unmanned air combat. Built by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the Valkyrie is designed as an autonomous, stealthy loyal-wingman drone capable of supporting manned fighters such as the F-22 and F-35. Priced significantly lower than traditional combat aircraft, the Valkyrie allows the U.S. Air Force to field more assets without relying on high-cost platforms for every mission.

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