Works without radio control
DARPA and Qamcom say their systems can work without the operator’s radio link. Clear, separate link-loss test details are still missing.
Last reviewed
What we are looking for
Does operation continue without an operator’s command link?
Where this applies
DARPA FLA and Qamcom Firefly · original statements, versions undisclosed
What has been observed
- DARPA states that FLA systems do not require a communications link.DARPA · Jul 18, 2018
- Qamcom says Firefly continues operating if the ground-station link drops.Qamcom Research and Technology · Oct 2, 2026
What limits this finding
- The later FLA evaluation reports limited round-trip success in its hardest Phase 1 test.UMass Lowell / arXiv · Apr 10, 2025
What we still need to know
Version-specific link-loss evidence; inter-drone links must be distinguished.
What would change our view
A disclosed test with operator-link state and outcome.
What would be enough to confirm it
A link-absent or link-loss test with observable continued operation. GPS denial alone is insufficient.
How this finding has changed
DARPA and Qamcom say their systems can work without the operator’s radio link. Clear, separate link-loss test details are still missing.
Updated assessment. New scoped evidence added; rating and confidence unchanged. Different platforms and limits remain separate.
DARPA says the system works without radio control. We still lack clear test details for the specific version.
Checked again; no change. Reviewed; rating and confidence unchanged. The inspected material does not close the remaining gap.
DARPA says the system works without radio control. We still lack clear test details for the specific version.
Checked again; no change. Reviewed; the rating and confidence remain unchanged. No qualifying new evidence resolved this parameter’s gap.
DARPA says the system works without radio control. We still lack clear test details for the specific version.
First review. Initial assessment; no previous cycle for comparison.