Airbus has unveiled the U760 Ravenstorm, a combat drone designed to operate alongside fighter aircraft in air-to-air combat, strike missions, and electronic warfare roles. This announcement comes at a pivotal moment, as the Franco-German-led plan to build a crewed New Generation Fighter (NGF) aircraft has collapsed, leaving Airbus to pivot its drone portfolio. The Ravenstorm is part of a revamped drone lineup, which also includes the Europeanized version of the stealthy XQ-58A Valkyrie, a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) platform, tactical solutions, counter-drone systems, and the U145 uncrewed helicopter.
The timing of the announcement is significant, as it coincides with the recent collapse of the NGF project, which was part of the broader pan-European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) initiative. Airbus CEO Mike Schoellhorn emphasizes the company's commitment to delivering uncrewed capabilities, stating, 'Whatever uncrewed or 'drone' capability our customers need to strengthen sovereign air power, we deliver.'
The Ravenstorm combat drone, or U760, is a notable addition to Airbus' portfolio. It features a swept, mid-wing configuration optimized for stealth and maneuverability, similar to General Atomics' YFQ-42A 'fighter drone' prototype. The drone's size and appearance evoke the YFQ-42, with a dorsal inlet and twin-tail configuration. Airbus describes the Ravenstorm as the 'next evolution' in its roadmap towards a scalable family of uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft.
The drone is expected to be available in the early 2030s and will be used for various missions, including air-to-surface strikes, air-to-air defense, and electronic warfare. Airbus is also offering a version of the XQ-58A Valkyrie, designated U740, which is expected to be used in operational experimentation with the Luftwaffe's Eurofighter combat jet. The U740 is planned for service entry in 2029, reflecting a specific Luftwaffe requirement.
The Ravenstorm and Valkyrie offerings likely reflect different cost points, with the Valkyrie being a lower-cost aircraft and the Ravenstorm a more capable and costly platform. Airbus' two-track approach to UCCAs may also be influenced by specific national or service requirements. The company's experience testing the Barracuda and prior work from the Airbus Low Observable UAV Testbed (LOUT) program will also contribute to the development of these drones.
The significance of Airbus' new drone roster is heightened by the demise of the NGF project. Collaborative combat aircraft like the Ravenstorm and Valkyrie emerged as force-multiplying capabilities for crewed fighters, and their demand may increase within Europe, where there is a pressing need for larger tactical air combat fleets. These drones also promise to enhance the capabilities of existing fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, further driving demand globally.
