GA-ASI Achieves First Flight of XQ-67A OBSS

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) marked a significant milestone by completing the first flight of the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) on February 28, 2024. This notable event took place under the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) program, with GA-ASI having been selected in 2021 to design, build, and test the novel aircraft.

The successful flight of the AFRL-funded XQ-67A signifies the validation of the innovative "genus/species" concept. This concept was initially developed alongside AFRL as part of the Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing (LCAAPS) program, which aims to create various aircraft variants from a single core chassis. This approach offers an alternative acquisition strategy for military aircraft, promising quicker development times, reduced costs, and enhanced avenues for technology updates, according to Trenton White, OBSS Program Manager at AFRL.

GA-ASI’s Vice President of Advanced Programs, Michael Atwood, highlighted that the OBSS represents the inaugural aircraft model developed using a shared core chassis by GA-ASI. This initiative promotes commonality across multiple aircraft types, propelling advancements in affordable combat readiness. The Public Release Distribution Statement confirmed unrestricted public access to this breakthrough.