The Airbus U740 Valkyrie makes its first flight in Europe
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Airbus Defence announced that it has successfully completed the first flight in Europe of the U740 Valkyrie combat drone. According to the company, the flight achieved all planned objectives, including rocket-assisted takeoff, maneuvers at various altitudes and speeds, as well as in-flight mission adjustments. During the test, the Valkyrie reached a speed of Mach 0.8. Developed from an airframe manufactured by Kratos, the Valkyrie will be equipped with Airbus's MARS mission system. This system will control the software, mission applications, data, and system equipment, allowing the German armed forces and those of other European countries to operate the drone while maintaining their operational sovereignty. Airbus Defence stated that the MARS mission system will be used during upcoming flight tests. The Valkyrie is expected to be used as part of the unmanned collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) concept, to increase the range, firepower, and survivability of manned fighter jets, such as the Eurofighter. The aircraft has been designed to be launched from a rail, but also to take off and land from conventional runways.
