US advances air-launched drone to help fighters strike from distance

The US Department of Defense, through DARPA, is advancing the LongShot program to develop an uncrewed air-launched vehicle capable of carrying and firing precision-guided missiles independently from crewed fighters or bombers. Designated the X-68A and developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, this drone is intended to extend the strike range of manned aircraft while keeping pilots at safer distances from contested airspace. The LongShot drone resembles a cruise missile and is powered by a Williams WJ38-15 turbojet engine, enabling high subsonic speeds near Mach 0.95. Its design allows it to be launched from various platforms, including fighters like the F-15 Eagle, bombers, or cargo aircraft using the Rapid Dragon system. Significant progress has been made with full-scale wind tunnel tests, parachute recovery trials, and weapons-release system demonstrations, with flight testing planned before the end of 2024. The program aims to validate safe launch, airworthiness