XQ-58 Valkyrie Capable of Runway Launch with New Trolley System

The XQ-58 Valkyrie drone has a new technology for getting itself airborne. Instead of the usual static launcher and rocket boosters, it can now use a traditional runway thanks to its trolley wheels. This new method lets the XQ-58 take off with higher fuel levels or larger payloads while still keeping its ability to launch independently of runways if needed.

Advantages of the New Trolley System

The XQ-58 typically takes off using an expendable rocket booster and ground launcher. The drone doesn’t have any landing gear and lands with its parachute recovery system, which uses inflatable airbags to cushion its descent. With the latest trolley system, the Valkyrie can still land via parachute after the trolley detaches during takeoff.

Using a conventional runway, the XQ-58 can lift off with a higher weight, leading to more sensors, weapons, and fuel. This increase benefits fuel and payload capacity and provides a significant advantage in range and payload.

Future Prospects and Cost Reduction

The XQ-58 boasts a 6,000-pound maximum launch weight. It can also reach altitudes of up to 45,000 feet and has a range of 3,000 miles. It carries weapons in the internal centerline bay lodged in its main core and on wing hard points. Its modular design allows easy configuration for different missions, such as communications relay and electronic warfare.

Kratos is developing the XQ-58’s performance, including the heavier Block 2 version and potentially larger variants that benefit from the new technology. The configuration impacts cost, with current price evaluations hovering around $5 to $6 million. Kratos aims to lower this to around $2 million, making the drone price comparable to many expendable missiles.

The new launch method could be quite attractive to the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone program, which favors higher-performance designs.

This new launch system allows the XQ-58 to maximize its internal and external carriage capabilities.

This will then increase its utility for specific missions. More details about the KTLS and the third launch option for the XQ-58 are still to come, but this new trolley system is another example of Kratos’ commitment to enhancing Valkyrie’s performance and capabilities.