The United States has unveiled its latest advancement in aerial combat technology: the Fury, an AI-powered, unmanned fighter jet developed by Anduril Technologies. This cutting-edge aircraft represents a significant leap in military aviation, combining advanced autonomy with cost-effective production.
Introducing the Fury
The Fury, officially designated as the YFQ-44A during its development phase, is a high-performance, multi-mission autonomous air vehicle. Classified as a Group 5 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), it boasts a weight exceeding 1,320 pounds, operates above 18,000 feet, and can achieve speeds nearing Mach 0.95 (approximately 729 mph). Its design omits a cockpit, reducing size and weight, and features swept wings with external hardpoints capable of carrying two AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles for air-to-air combat. The Fury measures 20 feet in length with a 17-foot wingspan and is powered by a commercially available Williams FJ44-4M turbofan engine, facilitating rapid and cost-effective production.
Technological Capabilities
Equipped with Anduril's Lattice Artificial Intelligence software, the Fury can autonomously identify, select, and engage targets under predefined conditions. Its autonomous nature allows it to perform high-G maneuvers—up to +9 Gs and down to -3 Gs for short durations—without risking pilot safety. This capability enables the Fury to execute complex aerial tactics that would be challenging for manned aircraft.
Strategic Integration
The Fury is a component of the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which envisions a future where manned and unmanned aircraft operate in tandem. In this framework, the Fury would serve as an autonomous wingman to advanced fighters like the F-35 Lightning II, enhancing mission capabilities while reducing risks to human pilots.
This development aligns with the broader Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, aiming to maintain U.S. air superiority through innovative technologies and integrated systems.
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