General Atomics Delivers FQ-42 Vengeance to Creech Air Force Base

General Atomics has delivered an FQ-42 Vengeance Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to support ongoing test and evaluation operations. The delivery follows the U.S. Air Force's official designation of the platform as 'Vengeance' and aligns with the service's broader strategy to integrate autonomous aircraft into its fleet. The FQ-42, which features an internal weapons bay and low-observable characteristics, has been documented flying in formation with F-35 and F-15E fighters as part of efforts to refine human-machine teaming and collaborative control tactics.

// Background

The Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program is a U.S. Air Force initiative to develop autonomous drones that operate alongside manned fighters. The FQ-42 Vengeance (General Atomics) and FQ-44 Fury (Anduril) are key platforms in this effort. Testing is currently managed by the Experimental Operations Unit at Nellis Air Force Base, with a focus on sensor fusion, beyond-line-of-sight communication, and tactical integration with platforms like the F-35 and F-15E.

// Key Developments

• The FQ-42 Vengeance is being tested at Creech Air Force Base to develop operational tactics for crewed-uncrewed teaming.
• General Atomics has established a new low-observable paint facility to support production, aiming for a delivery rate of six aircraft per month.
• The U.S. Air Force plans to field at least 500 autonomous aircraft by 2032 to perform missions currently handled by manned fighters.
• The FQ-42 program is currently funded by General Atomics to prevent delivery delays while government funding plans mature.
• The total fiscal 2027 budget request for the CCA program is $2.37 billion, covering procurement, advanced procurement, and R&D.