The purchase was announced in a notice stating that the drones will be used to "accomplish the penetrating affordable autonomous collaborative killer - portfolio objectives," including non-recurring engineering, system/subsystem integration, installation, testing, ground and flight operations, logistics, and maintenance. The contract also includes government-owned, contractor-operated operations for flight test and demonstration events at government test ranges. This work is expected to be completed by the end of the current fiscal year on September 30..
The XQ-58A, which has a maximum launch weight of 6,000 pounds, is capable of flying at altitudes up to 45,000 feet and has a range of approximately 3,000 miles. It utilizes a rocket-assisted takeoff with a static launcher and is recovered at the end of a flight via parachute, according to the Kratos website. The United States Air Force expressed interest in the aircraft last year as it gears up for a next-generation drone competition in fiscal 2024.
Source: U.S. Department of Defence
