Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division has introduced the Vectis, a new stealth drone designed to enhance future air combat capabilities. This drone is classified as a Group 5 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and aims to support both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions in conjunction with crewed fighters such as the F-35. The company anticipates the Vectis will take its inaugural flight within the next two years, with development already in progress.
A key focus of the Vectis program is affordability. Lockheed Martin asserts that the drone will be available at a “CCA price point,” which indicates it will cost less than traditional piloted fighters while maintaining high levels of performance and survivability. The design incorporates open systems architecture, digital engineering methods, and a modular structure from the outset, allowing for greater flexibility in operational capabilities.
Capabilities and Design Features
The Vectis is equipped to perform a diverse array of missions, including precision strikes, intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and both offensive and defensive counter-air operations. It is engineered to operate independently or as a “loyal wingman” alongside manned aircraft, enabling crewed jets to leverage the drone for high-risk tasks while preserving human pilots for other responsibilities.
Stealth is a standout feature of the Vectis. Lockheed Martin claims it will provide “best-in-CCA class survivability,” drawing on decades of experience in stealth design, materials, and signature suppression. While specific performance metrics, such as radar cross-section and maximum speed, remain undisclosed, the platform appears to integrate insights from past stealth and unmanned initiatives.
Flexibility is also a significant aspect of the Vectis design. The open systems architecture allows for the integration of various payloads, sensors, and mission systems from multiple vendors, offering operators a range of options tailored to their specific requirements. Furthermore, the Vectis is designed for frequent operations with minimal challenges, emphasizing durability and reliability.
Development Timeline and Industry Context
Lockheed Martin has already placed orders for prototype parts, with initial build efforts underway. The company expects the first flight of the Vectis by March 2025, but this timeline will depend on supplier performance, regulatory compliance, and the maturation of mission systems—a common challenge in the aviation sector.
Regarding cost, Lockheed Martin maintains that the Vectis will be economically viable despite its advanced capabilities. The company aims to utilize modern manufacturing and digital engineering tools to ensure production and lifecycle costs remain lower than those associated with high-end manned fighters. The “CCA” price point suggests that while the Vectis will not be inexpensive, it will be significantly more affordable than traditional manned stealth fighters.
The introduction of the Vectis comes as multiple companies explore the development of their own wingman drones. For instance, Boeing is advancing the MQ-28 Ghost Bat for the Royal Australian Air Force, which shares a similar vision as a CCA aircraft. This drone combines stealth, survivability, and affordability, and Boeing has indicated that its development is progressing ahead of schedule.
The evolution of unmanned combat aerial vehicles marks a significant shift in future air combat strategy. These drones are expected to incorporate artificial intelligence and be operated remotely, enhancing their operational versatility. For example, the Boeing MQ-28 is designed to be controlled from a Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, complementing traditional manned fighters while offering cost-effective solutions.
Current developments in loyal wingman aircraft include several notable projects:
– **Bayraktar Kızılelma** (Turkey)
– **Boeing MQ-28 Stingray** (Australia)
– **HAL CATS Warrior** (India)
– **Hongdu GJ-11** (China)
– **Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie** (United States)
– **Kronshtadt Grom** (Russia)
– **Lockheed Martin Vectis** (United States)
– **Sukhoi S-70** (Russia)
– **TAI Anka-3** (Turkey)
The advancement of technologies like the Vectis presents unique challenges, though the development process is intended to be less complex than that of manned fighters. Lockheed Martin faces the task of achieving its ambitious goals while ensuring effective integration between the drone and crewed aircraft. The outcome of this endeavor could reshape future air combat strategies significantly.
