F-22 Pilots Will Be Able To Fly Multiple Aircraft Simultaneously Without Leaving The Cockpit
- 12.03.2026, 10:45
The fifth-generation fighter jet has successfully passed the test.
The U.S. Air Force's fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fighter jet successfully transmitted commands to an unmanned combat aircraft during flight tests. The experiment showed how effectively manned aircraft can operate in conjunction with autonomous systems in real time. In fact, the tests showed that pilots can Defense News.
The test took place at Edwards Air Force Base in California. An F-22 pilot sent commands to the MQ-20 Avenger, an MQ-20 drone developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Communication was via a secure tactical data link and autonomous control software.
The fighter acted as a command post during the flight. The pilot assigned tasks to the drone directly from the cockpit. The MQ-20 changed routes, performed maneuvers and practiced elements of the combat mission. Among them - patrolling in the air and simulating the interception of the air threat. The drone's onboard sensors analyzed the situation and helped the drone make some of its own decisions.
This model was called "interaction between manned and unmanned systems". In English-language documents it is called "manned-unmanned teaming". The meaning is simple: the pilot controls not one airplane, but a whole group of UAVs. They can perform the role of reconnaissance, or switch to attack drone mode. This expands the capabilities and radius of action of aviation, while reducing the risk to pilots.
Defense analysts talk about the transition to so-called "distributed air power." In such a system, a small number of manned fighters control entire groups of drones. These vehicles take on the most dangerous tasks and expand the capabilities of aviation in complex combat situations.
Similar technologies are being developed under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. Its goal is to create a network of manned and autonomous vehicles that act as a unified team in future air conflicts.