Reading level:
A kid-friendly version of this page isn’t written yet — you’re seeing the regular version below. Back to the gallery to find an aircraft with a Kids version.

YFQ-42A Dark Merlin

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems · Fixed Wing / CCA Increment 1 collaborative combat aircraft · USA · Digital Age (2010–present)

YFQ-42A Dark Merlin — Fixed Wing / CCA Increment 1 collaborative combat aircraft
Open in interactive gallery →See aircraft like this on the live radar →

The General Atomics YFQ-42 Dark Merlin is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) currently under development by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. The aircraft is one of the winning designs for Increment I of the United States Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program and is intended to augment crewed fighter aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning, and the planned Boeing F-47 fighter for air-to-air missions through manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T).

Specifications

Category
Fixed Wing
Sub-Category
UAV
Domain
Defence
Era
Digital Age (2010–present)
Country
USA
Manufacturer
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Operator
USAF
Primary Role
Fixed Wing / CCA Increment 1 collaborative combat aircraft
Status
In Development
Service Entry
2025
Produced
At least 3
Engine
(not public)
Launch
TBD
Armament
Planned internal weapons bay; public reporting cites AIM-120 class carriage (details limited).