A rocket-launched combat drone was tested in Europe

Rocket-assisted combat drone tested in Europe

According to The War Zone, Airbus announced the test on October 12. The flight took place at an undisclosed test site in Northern Europe.

During the test, the ability to change the task assigned to the device in mid-flight was also verified. According to Airbus, all set objectives were achieved.

The U740 is a European variant being developed based on the US XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned combat aircraft. Germany plans to receive a complex ready for combat use under this project by 2029.

In the next phase, it is planned to install the MARS mission management system developed by Airbus on the device. It should ensure European control over the aircraft's software and combat mission management.

According to the developers' plan, MARS will allow drones to operate autonomously and coordinate their actions within a swarm. For now, human involvement will be retained for making the most crucial decisions.

The XQ-58A Valkyrie created by Kratos was developed as a relatively low-cost combat platform. By adapting its own control system to a ready-made design, Airbus aims to avoid waiting for the creation of an entirely new aircraft.

One of the important features of the U740 is its launch using a rocket booster. This reduces the device's dependence on conventional runways.

The original design of the Valkyrie was primarily intended to return to the ground using a parachute. In its new variants, the capability to launch with a rocket booster and land on a runway has emerged.

Such an approach could allow the German Air Force to disperse aviation to various locations and launch drones from sites without a full-fledged airfield. This is also important in conditions where existing airfield infrastructure is under threat of attack.