Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division has introduced the Vectis, a new drone designed to enhance military operations as a “survivable and lethal Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).” This Group 5 drone aims to support both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions while operating alongside crewed fighters, such as the F-35. Currently under development, the Vectis is expected to make its first flight within the next two years, with production already underway.
A key focus of the Vectis program is its affordability. Lockheed Martin asserts that the drone will be offered at a “CCA price point,” which means it will be less costly than traditional piloted fighters while still delivering high performance and survivability. The company plans to incorporate open systems architecture, digital engineering methods, and a modular design from the outset, allowing for adaptable configurations and integration of various mission systems.
Capabilities and Design Features
The Vectis is touted as capable of executing a wide range of missions, including precision strikes, intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and both offensive and defensive counter-air operations. Designed to operate independently or as a “loyal wingman” to manned aircraft, the Vectis allows crewed jets to engage in high-risk segments of missions, thereby safeguarding human pilots for other critical tasks.
One of the standout features of the Vectis is its stealth capabilities. Lockheed Martin claims it will offer “best-in-CCA class survivability” by leveraging decades of expertise in stealth technology, including shape, materials, and signature suppression. Although specific performance metrics, such as radar cross-section and top speed, remain undisclosed, the drone appears to incorporate valuable lessons learned from previous stealth and unmanned programs.
Flexibility is another significant aspect of the Vectis’s design. The open systems architecture enables the integration of payloads, sensors, and mission systems from various vendors, providing operators with a broader range of options. Additionally, Lockheed Martin emphasizes that the Vectis will be engineered for frequent operations with minimal challenges, focusing on durability and reliability.
Future Development and Industry Context
Looking ahead, Lockheed Martin has already ordered prototype parts and is advancing with early build work, anticipating the first flight in two years. The timeline may be influenced by supplier performance, regulatory requirements, and the pace at which mission systems are developed, although delays are common in the aviation sector.
In terms of cost, Lockheed Martin aims to position the Vectis as an affordable option despite its advanced capabilities. By utilizing modern manufacturing techniques and digital engineering tools, the company plans to maintain lower production and lifecycle costs compared to traditional high-end manned fighters. The promise of a “CCA” price point indicates that while the Vectis will not be inexpensive, it will be more economical than a manned stealth fighter.
As the Vectis is being developed, other companies are also working on similar “wingman” drones. For instance, Boeing is developing the MQ-28 Ghost Bat for the Royal Australian Air Force, which is intended to serve a comparable role as a CCA aircraft. This unmanned platform combines stealth, survivability, and affordability, with Boeing reporting that it is ahead of schedule in its development process.
Unmanned drones are increasingly recognized as crucial components in the evolution of future air combat fleets. These aircraft represent the next generation of unmanned combat aerial vehicles, incorporating artificial intelligence and remote operation capabilities. For example, the Boeing MQ-28 is designed to be operated from a Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, highlighting the potential for these drones to enhance traditional manned fighters’ operational flexibility.
The development of loyal wingman aircraft is a global trend, with several nations advancing their own projects. Notable examples include:
– Bayraktar Kızılelma (Turkey)
– HAL CATS Warrior (India)
– Hongdu GJ-11 (China)
– Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie (United States)
– Kronshtadt Grom (Russia)
– Sukhoi S-70 (Russia)
– TAI Anka-3 (Turkey)
Despite the challenges posed by developing such advanced technology, Lockheed Martin aims to simplify the process compared to manned fighters. The company faces the significant task of meeting its ambitious targets while ensuring effective integration between the Vectis and existing manned platforms. As the military aviation landscape evolves, the Vectis could play a pivotal role in shaping future combat strategies.