OVERVIEW
The Kratos XQ-222 is being developed as an economical, high-speed swarm-minded UAV platform for the USAF.
The Kratos XQ-222 is being developed as an economical, high-speed swarm-minded UAV platform for the USAF.
YEAR: 2020
STATUS: In-Development
MANUFACTURER(S): Kratos Unmanned Systems Division - USA
PRODUCTION: 0
OPERATORS: United States (possible)
SPECIFICATIONS
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Kratos XQ-222 model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Kratos XQ-222 model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 0
LENGTH: 28.87 feet (8.8 meters)
WIDTH: 1,991.47 feet (607 meters)
ENGINE: 1 x Turbojet engine of unknown make, model, and thrust output.
SPEED (MAX): 652 miles-per-hour (1050 kilometers-per-hour; 567 knots)
RANGE: 2,128 miles (3,425 kilometers; 1,849 nautical miles)
CEILING: 44,997 feet (13,715 meters; 8.52 miles)
ARMAMENT
Up to 550lb of external and internal precision drop stores. This includes single underwing hardpoints and an internal bay.
Up to 550lb of external and internal precision drop stores. This includes single underwing hardpoints and an internal bay.
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• XQ-222 - Base Series Designation
Series Model Variants
• XQ-222 - Base Series Designation
HISTORY
Detailing the development and operational history of the Kratos XQ-222 Valkyrie Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). Entry last updated on 8/7/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Kratos XQ-222 Valkyrie Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). Entry last updated on 8/7/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
When Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) finally matured as Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms over an active battlefield, thought turned to arming these systems - producing the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) subcategory. Now, with the maturity being experienced with UCAV designs, the concept of reusable / disposable "swarm" UAVs is beginning to take shape. Companies like Kratos have attempted to stay at the forefront of such an initiative, building upon their experiences in providing the United States military with high-performance unmanned aerial targets.
The XQ-222 is under development by the company by way of a USAF contract for an economical unmanned aerial system capable of light strike through precision-guided munitions while working in conjunction with manned attack aircraft. The benefits of such a product are many but chiefly centered on low-cost / low project risk and ease of serial production. There is also the added benefit of not risking personnel over contested airspace should the drone be lost. It is envisioned that a fleet of these attack drones, in some cases accompanied by manned aircraft, will swarm target areas with bombs, overwhelming enemy defenses and strategic positions prior to the arrival of the main fighting force.
Based on an artist concept of the XQ-222, the aircraft carries an angled fuselage tapered at both ends. An intake sits atop the spine to aspirate the presumed turbojet engine installation within (the engine will most likely be an outsourced off-the-shelf powerplant). At the belly is an internal bomb bay and underwing hardpoints will also figure in. The tail unit is blended into the fuselage and sports outward-canted vertical fins - no horizontal tailplanes are featured. The wing mainplanes are swept back and positioned near midships.
The system is being designed with a maximum range of 3,000 miles and a war load of up to 500 lb. Max speed will be subsonic. The aircraft will not require the facilities of a prepared runaway - take-off is to be accomplished by way of rocket-assist and recovery by parachute. Because of Kratos' experience in developing military-grade target drones, which mimic enemy aircraft actions and reactions, the XQ-222 should benefit immensely in terms of capability when avoiding air defenses.
The XQ-222 is being developed from the ground up (clean-sheet design). Presented specs include an overall length of 29 feet and a wingspan of 22 feet. Listed maximum speed is Mach 0.85. Minimum altitude is 50 feet and maximum altitude is 45,000 feet.
Beyond its strike capabilities, it is possible that the XQ-222 will also be able to engage aerial targets in direct air-to-air combat given Kratos' past experience with drones.
The XQ-222 is under development by the company by way of a USAF contract for an economical unmanned aerial system capable of light strike through precision-guided munitions while working in conjunction with manned attack aircraft. The benefits of such a product are many but chiefly centered on low-cost / low project risk and ease of serial production. There is also the added benefit of not risking personnel over contested airspace should the drone be lost. It is envisioned that a fleet of these attack drones, in some cases accompanied by manned aircraft, will swarm target areas with bombs, overwhelming enemy defenses and strategic positions prior to the arrival of the main fighting force.
Based on an artist concept of the XQ-222, the aircraft carries an angled fuselage tapered at both ends. An intake sits atop the spine to aspirate the presumed turbojet engine installation within (the engine will most likely be an outsourced off-the-shelf powerplant). At the belly is an internal bomb bay and underwing hardpoints will also figure in. The tail unit is blended into the fuselage and sports outward-canted vertical fins - no horizontal tailplanes are featured. The wing mainplanes are swept back and positioned near midships.
The system is being designed with a maximum range of 3,000 miles and a war load of up to 500 lb. Max speed will be subsonic. The aircraft will not require the facilities of a prepared runaway - take-off is to be accomplished by way of rocket-assist and recovery by parachute. Because of Kratos' experience in developing military-grade target drones, which mimic enemy aircraft actions and reactions, the XQ-222 should benefit immensely in terms of capability when avoiding air defenses.
The XQ-222 is being developed from the ground up (clean-sheet design). Presented specs include an overall length of 29 feet and a wingspan of 22 feet. Listed maximum speed is Mach 0.85. Minimum altitude is 50 feet and maximum altitude is 45,000 feet.
Beyond its strike capabilities, it is possible that the XQ-222 will also be able to engage aerial targets in direct air-to-air combat given Kratos' past experience with drones.
May 2017 - Kratos has officially named its XQ-222 vehicle the 'Valkyrie'.
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Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed Rating
Hi: 750mph
Lo: 375mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (652mph).
Graph average of 562.5 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
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Graph showcases the Kratos XQ-222's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
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Unit Production Comparison
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
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