GA-ASI names YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft Dark Merlin
Evidence notes
- GA-ASI named its U.S. Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft YFQ-42A Dark Merlin.
- The company said the aircraft had delivered the Air Force's first successful CCA flight in August 2025.
- GA-ASI also said YFQ-42A completed its first CCA flight using mission autonomy software in February 2026.
Company context
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is a U.S. aerospace and defence company developing remotely piloted aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, mission-control systems, radar, sensors, and autonomy capabilities. Its portfolio includes MQ-9A Reaper, MQ-9B SkyGuardian, MQ-1C Gray Eagle, MQ-20 Avenger, Mojave, and related systems.