Collins Aerospace successfully demonstrated its Sidekick mission autonomy software during a test flight of a YFQ-42A uncrewed jet developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. for the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
The flight test, conducted Feb. 20, paired uncrewed aircraft with crewed fighter jets to enhance sensor range, increase weapon effectiveness and improve overall mission success. During the flight, autonomy mode was engaged for a four-hour autonomous operation managed by a human operator on the ground.
Collins Aerospace has been selected by the U.S. Air Force to support development and testing for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, Increment 1 program.
Ryan Bunge, vice president and general manager for Strategic Defense Solutions at Collins Aerospace, said the test highlighted the flexibility of the company’s open systems approach.
“The rapid integration of Sidekick onto this platform to perform various combat-relevant tasks highlight the strength and adaptability of Collins’ open systems approach,” Mr. Bunge said. “The autonomy capabilities showcased in this flight highlight nearly a decade of dedicated investment and close collaboration with our customers to advance collaborative mission autonomy.”
Sidekick is designed to enable collaboration between human teams and autonomous platforms in combat-related air operations. The software is built on an open systems architecture and is designed to adjust to a pilot’s working style and mission specifics.
Collins Aerospace employs approximately 80,000 people globally, including more than 7,000 employees in Cedar Rapids. RTX, its parent company, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and reported 2025 sales of more than $88 billion.
