Event Brief
General Atomics resumes YFQ-42A drone wingman flights
Filed: May 21, 2026 at 7:03 PM ET
Summary: General Atomics resumed flight testing of the YFQ-42A after fixing a software issue tied to an autopilot miscalculation.
WHO: General Atomics
WHAT: Resumed flight testing of the YFQ-42A “Dark Merlin” drone wingman after software remediation following an April 6 crash.
WHEN: May 21, 2026 at 5:55 PM ET
WHERE: General Atomics airport, California
WHY: A safety review isolated the crash cause to an autopilot miscalculation for the aircraft’s weight and center of gravity, prompting software remediation.
ℹ️ This event is analyzed using pattern arcs, velocity indicators, and source analysis in our MI Console.
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