Collins Aerospace Showcases Semi-Autonomous Flight Software
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 hours ago
0mins
Should l Buy RTX?
Source: PRnewswire
- Successful Test Flight: Collins Aerospace successfully tested the YFQ-42A unmanned jet in the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, showcasing the powerful capabilities of its Sidekick mission autonomy software, which enhances sensor range and weapon effectiveness through effective collaboration with crewed fighter jets.
- Autonomous Flight Mode: During the test, the YFQ-42A achieved a four-hour autonomous flight managed by a human operator on the ground, demonstrating seamless integration between Collins' software and the drone's mission systems, ensuring precise piloting commands and improving overall mission success rates.
- Return on Technical Investment: This test highlights nearly a decade of investment in collaborative mission autonomy by Collins, emphasizing close collaboration with customers to advance technology for combat-related tasks, further solidifying its leadership position in the aerospace defense sector.
- Open Systems Advantage: The design of the Sidekick software enables open systems collaboration between human teams and autonomous platforms, adapting to pilots' working styles and mission specifics, thereby enhancing flexibility and efficiency in combat-related air operations.
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Analyst Views on RTX
Wall Street analysts forecast RTX stock price to fall
14 Analyst Rating
9 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 205.410
Low
168.00
Averages
195.77
High
215.00
Current: 205.410
Low
168.00
Averages
195.77
High
215.00
About RTX
RTX Corporation is an aerospace and defense company, which provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military, and government customers worldwide. The Company operates through three segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Collins Aerospace segment provides technologically advanced aerospace and defense products and aftermarket service solutions for civil and military aircraft manufacturers, commercial airlines, and regional, business and general aviation, as well as for defense and commercial space operations. The Pratt & Whitney segment supplies aircraft engines for commercial, military, business jet, and general aviation customers. The Raytheon segment provides defensive and offensive threat detection, tracking and mitigation capabilities for the United States and foreign government and commercial customers. The Raytheon designs, develops, and provides advanced capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Autonomous Flight Mode: During the test, the YFQ-42A achieved a four-hour autonomous flight managed by a human operator on the ground, demonstrating seamless integration between Collins' software and the drone's mission systems, ensuring precise piloting commands and improving overall mission success rates.
- Return on Technical Investment: This test highlights nearly a decade of investment in collaborative mission autonomy by Collins, emphasizing close collaboration with customers to advance technology for combat-related tasks, further solidifying its leadership position in the aerospace defense sector.
- Open Systems Advantage: The design of the Sidekick software enables open systems collaboration between human teams and autonomous platforms, adapting to pilots' working styles and mission specifics, thereby enhancing flexibility and efficiency in combat-related air operations.
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- Integration Advantages: The test showcased seamless integration between Collins' autonomy software and the YFQ-42A's mission systems, ensuring precise piloting commands, thereby enhancing mission success rates and weapon effectiveness.
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- Multi-Target Engagement: StormBreaker is the only smart weapon capable of engaging both moving and stationary targets in fair and adverse weather, with its compact design allowing a single aircraft to target more surface threats, thus reducing aircrew exposure to danger.
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- Multi-Target Engagement: StormBreaker is the only operational smart weapon capable of engaging moving and stationary targets in both fair and adverse weather, allowing a single aircraft to strike more surface targets, thereby improving operational efficiency.
- Strategic Importance: The F/A-18-E/F Super Hornet is the first U.S. Navy aircraft to carry StormBreaker, enhancing its lethality in air combat and ensuring mission completion and safe return even in degraded environments.
- Integration and Future Development: StormBreaker is also approved for use on the F-15E and is being integrated into the F-35A/B/C, showcasing Raytheon's ongoing innovation and potential in the smart weapons sector.
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- Surge in Tariff Revenue: The US government recorded $30 billion in tariff revenue in January 2026, bringing the year-to-date total to $124 billion, a staggering 304% increase year-over-year, indicating significant short-term fiscal impacts from high tariff policies, while potential refunds could exert long-term pressure on the Treasury.
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- Complexity of Refund Process: Although tariffs are itemized, theoretically allowing for quick refunds, insurance companies require document verification, leading to expected delays of 30 to 60 days for refunds, particularly as small businesses have begun reaching out to insurers ahead of the Supreme Court decision to expedite the review process.
See More
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- Successful Test Flight: Collins Aerospace successfully tested the YFQ-42A unmanned jet in the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, showcasing the powerful capabilities of its Sidekick mission autonomy software, which enhances sensor range and weapon effectiveness through effective collaboration with crewed fighter jets.
- Autonomous Flight Mode: During the test, the YFQ-42A achieved a four-hour autonomous flight managed by a human operator on the ground, demonstrating seamless integration between Collins' software and the drone's mission systems, ensuring precise piloting commands and improving overall mission success rates.
- Return on Technical Investment: This test highlights nearly a decade of investment in collaborative mission autonomy by Collins, emphasizing close collaboration with customers to advance technology for combat-related tasks, further solidifying its leadership position in the aerospace defense sector.
- Open Systems Advantage: The design of the Sidekick software enables open systems collaboration between human teams and autonomous platforms, adapting to pilots' working styles and mission specifics, thereby enhancing flexibility and efficiency in combat-related air operations.
See More
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- Successful Autonomous Flight Test: Collins Aerospace successfully demonstrated its Sidekick mission autonomy software during a test flight of the YFQ-42A drone, achieving a four-hour autonomous flight, marking a significant advancement for the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
- Integration Advantages: The test showcased seamless integration between Collins' autonomy software and the YFQ-42A's mission systems, ensuring precise piloting commands, thereby enhancing mission success rates and weapon effectiveness.
- Investment and Collaboration Outcomes: The rapid integration of Sidekick onto the platform highlights nearly a decade of dedicated investment and close collaboration with customers, showcasing the strength and adaptability of Collins' open systems approach to advance collaborative mission autonomy.
- Support for Air Force Program: Collins was selected by the U.S. Air Force to support the development and testing of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft Increment 1 program, underscoring its critical role and market potential in combat-related air operations.
See More
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- Multi-Target Engagement: StormBreaker is the only smart weapon capable of engaging both moving and stationary targets in fair and adverse weather, with its compact design allowing a single aircraft to target more surface threats, thus reducing aircrew exposure to danger.
- Outstanding Combat Performance: In 2023, the Super Hornet became the first U.S. Navy aircraft to carry StormBreaker, demonstrating exceptional performance in combat, which reinforces its critical role in the Navy's air combat strategy.
- Future Integration Plans: StormBreaker is not only approved for the F-15E and F/A-18-E/F Super Hornet but is also being integrated into the F-35A/B/C, indicating its potential for widespread application in future military operations.
See More
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Deployment: This advanced weapon will be utilized on the Super Hornet fleet, enhancing its operational capabilities.
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