US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) project: The future of air combat took a significant step forward with the US Air Force‘s selection of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) and Anduril to develop and manufacture Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) prototypes. This program aims to revolutionize aerial warfare by deploying fleets of low-cost, modular, and highly autonomous unmanned aircraft alongside manned fighter jets.
GA-ASI Leverages Proven Expertise
GA-ASI brings a wealth of experience to the table, having spent 30 years at the forefront of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) development. Their selection for the CCA program hinges on their proven track record in air-to-air combat capabilities and extensive experience with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) like the Predator series.
Building on the success of their XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station prototype, GA-ASI’s CCA design promises “affordable combat mass” for the Air Force. This emphasizes the program’s goal of delivering a large number of effective drones at a fraction of the cost of traditional fighter jets.
GA-ASI’s focus extends beyond the CCA itself. They plan to leverage their existing MQ-20 Avenger UAS and XQ-67A platforms for continued autonomy and mission system testing. This comprehensive approach aims to accelerate the development of a fully operational and autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft system for the US Air Force.
READ: India tests long-range Nirbhay cruise missile with domestic engine
Anduril’s Fury.
READ: India will spend over $9 billion for acquisition of 97 home grown fighter jets
Anduril: A New Player in Defense Innovation
The inclusion of Anduril marks a significant development for the defense industry. This young company, founded in 2017, brings a unique blend of software expertise and a “rapid and differentiated approach” to hardware development. Their selection underscores the Air Force’s commitment to fostering innovation and expanding the traditional defense industrial base.
Anduril emphasizes the critical need for “speed, cost, and scale” in delivering CCAs. Their experience in developing cutting-edge defense solutions, from counter-drone systems to large autonomous underwater vehicles, suggests they are well-positioned to contribute to this fast-paced program.
READ: Tejas Mk1A: India conducts maiden flight of upgraded version of indigenous fighter jet
A Look Ahead: The Dawn of Collaborative Combat
The collaborative nature of this program goes beyond just the involvement of multiple companies. The core concept of the CCA program is the “genus/species” approach, where multiple aircraft variants with different functionalities can be derived from a single, common design. This allows for faster development, cost-effectiveness, and a more adaptable air combat force.
The selection of GA-ASI and Anduril marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in air combat. With their combined expertise and innovative approaches, these companies are poised to deliver a game-changing capability for the US Air Force, redefining the future of aerial warfare.
READ: AMCA: India Approves 5th Gen Stealth Fighter Jet Project
