YFQ 42A Drone

Manufacturer: US Defense Prime Contractor
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed Mach 1 class
Endurance 6 to 8 hours
Operational Range 1,500 km
Payload Capacity 1,500 kg

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	YFQ 42A
Manufacturer	General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI)/United States Defense Contractor
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Autonomous Combat Jet
First Flight / Introduced	2025 (Projected)
Status	Under Development
Unit Cost	Not Yet Released

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1 class
Cruise Speed	High subsonic
Operational Range	1,500 km
Endurance	6 to 8 hours
Service Ceiling	45,000 ft
Rate of Climb	High performance climb

3. Dimensions

Length	11 m
Wingspan	9 m
Height	3 m
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	8,000 kg

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	1,500 kg
Hardpoints	Internal Bays
Weapons	Air to Air Missiles, Guided Bombs
Sensors	EO IR, Radar, Passive Sensors
Avionics	Secure Link, GPS INS, Sensor Fusion

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Single Turbofan
Engine Power	High thrust class
Propeller Type	Not Applicable

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote and Autonomous
Data Link Range	Beyond Line of Sight
Navigation	GPS and INS
Ground Control Station	Mobile or Fixed

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	United States (Projected)
Combat Proven	No
Notable Operations	None

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

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

PROS

Long range and strong endurance
Low observable design
Advanced autonomous flight
Works with manned fighters
Flexible payload options

CONS

Still under development
High expected cost
Limited public data
Requires secure network support
Complex maintenance needs

YFQ 42A Next Gen Autonomous Combat Jet

The YFQ 42A is a new autonomous combat jet developed in the United States for long range missions and high risk strike work. It fills a growing demand for crewless fighters that can work with manned aircraft or fly alone when needed. The jet pairs high speed with strong endurance, giving planners a flexible tool for contested areas.

The aircraft comes from a leading US defense contractor that focuses on autonomous flight and sensor fusion. The goal behind the YFQ 42A is simple. Reduce pilot risk, bring faster decision making to the fight, and support manned fighters with a wingmate that can carry weapons and run complex tasks on its own.

The YFQ 42A Drone features a clean low observable shape, internal weapons space, and a high thrust engine built for fast climbs and quick response. Its range lets it push far into denied zones. Its sensor suite uses radar, infrared, and data fusion to track multiple threats at long distances. A secure link keeps it tied to command centers or a leading manned jet, but it can continue to fly and fight if the link drops.

The jet can carry air to air missiles, guided bombs, and electronic attack pods. Its onboard system can plan routes, avoid threats, and sort targets with little input. This makes it well suited for deep strike, escort, and high risk intelligence missions.

YFQ 42A Price

The YFQ 42A does not have a confirmed unit price yet, but estimates place it in the same range as other advanced crewless combat jets now in development.

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