The F-16, which flew from Eglin AFB was equipped with new autonomous flight technology while a test pilot remained in the cockpit as backup
The lightweight, solar-powered drones that can be launched by a two-person crew and fly extended-loitering scout missions.
The War Department announced the selection of 25 vendors who will help the department achieve its goal of getting some 300,000 drones into the force, both quickly and inexpensively, by 2027.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s tactical technology office is sponsoring the contest, which kicked off earlier this month.