China Finds ‘Weakness’ in New US Combat Drone

Chinese aviation engineers have reportedly found a flaw in the United States’ new Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie combat drone, asserting that the experimental system may not be effective in combat.

Citing Chinese publication Aircraft Design, South China Morning Post reported that engineer analysis of the Valkyrie design and implied functions shows it sacrifices maneuverability for firepower and fuel efficiency.

One of the major flaws they pointed out was that the combat drone can only withstand a pull of 1.7 times the force of gravity. Usually, a combat aircraft should withstand a braking force of at least seven times the force of gravity or even higher.