Official Logo for the General Atomics YFQ-42A Dark Merlin Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)

The General Atomics YFQ-42A, one of two unmanned platforms selected for Increment 1 of the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, has been given a new nickname by its manufacturer, "Dark Merlin".

A Trio of General Atomics YFQ-42A Dark Merlin CCA Prototypes Lined up on a Tarmac

General Atomics states on their website why they chose the Dark Merlin nickname for their YFQ-42A:

Dark merlins, deadly falcons known for their black feathers and devouring of other falcons as prey, often collaborate in groups for maximum effect against their targets. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology describes the merlin as a “small, fierce falcon that uses surprise attacks” to bring down its prey in flight. The dark merlin is native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, often migrating into southern California, where bird spotters routinely report seeing them near the YFQ-42A’s manufacturing home in San Diego.

The 1962 book “Profiles of the Future” imagined global technological marvels yet to change the world, offering that “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” It’s no coincidence that the Dark Merlin name also reflects the wizardry of Merlin from Arthurian legend, paying homage to the somewhat supernatural new era of semi-autonomous air combat.

“Dark merlins are hunting machines, built for speed and aerodynamics,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “They harass other falcons for fun, and they eat what they kill. The name sums up our new uncrewed fighter perfectly.”

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