The FQ-42A Vengeance is a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the US Air Force. The uncrewed jet is designed to fly alongside fighter pilots and has entered serial production following initial contract awards, with deliveries to Creech Air Force Base beginning in September 2026.
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | Semi-autonomous (human-on-the-loop), Swarm / cooperative |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | Armed UCAV, ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Turbine / jet |
| Signature / detectability | RCS – large, RF-emitting |
| Speed regime | High-speed / jet (>400 km/h) |
| Strike depth / operational role | Recon-strike complex (ISR + strike paired, e.g. Mavic + FPV, Orlan + Lancet) |
| Weight / class | Class III – Strike / Combat (>600 kg), FAA >25 kg (Part 137 / waiver) |
| Confidence | low |