First flight of the European Airbus U740 Valkyrie drone

Airbus and American company Kratos conducted the first European flight of the U740 Valkyrie strike drone. The drone launched on a rocket booster, performed maneuvers at various altitudes, and accelerated to Mach 0.8.

Technical specifications

• length is 9.1 m, wingspan is 8.2 m, takeoff weight is about 3 tons
• flight range exceeds 5000 km with a ceiling of about 13.7 km
• has an internal weapons bay and hardpoints for launching missiles, dropping bombs, and small drones
• controlled autonomously or by commands from a fighter pilot, such as the Eurofighter

MARS system

During subsequent tests, the MARS system will be integrated into the drone, which Airbus calls the "European brain." This artificial intelligence system independently performs tasks and coordinates groups of machines. Meanwhile, the company promises strict hierarchical control with humans in charge, and critical decisions must comply with rules of engagement, ethical standards, and legal norms.

Implementation plans

Autonomous machines will join the German army and other European air forces by 2029.