The US Navy has contracted Anduril, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and General Atomics to develop conceptual designs for a carrier-based collaborative combat aircraft (CCA).
Also known as a “loyal wingman,” the CCA initiative aims to field uncrewed aircraft that can fly alongside manned fighter jets, share sensor data, and take on higher-risk missions to extend the reach and survivability of carrier air wings.
In addition to the four defense heavyweights, Lockheed Martin was also contracted for the CCA’s common control system, built on Skunk Works’ MDCX autonomy platform, which was tested last year with a General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger.
Commenting on the selection, Northrop said it will leverage its naval aviation and autonomy expertise for the project, while Anduril emphasized speed and scale in designs tailored to the navy’s needs.
General Atomics, meanwhile, will adapt carrier-capable concepts from its YFQ-42A, already flying with the US Air Force.
Naval Wingman Vision
The US Navy has laid out its vision for its next-gen CCAs.
Slides from the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons highlighted the need for modular, interoperable platforms that can handle carrier operations, stay cost-efficient, and flex across different missions.
The drones should also tackle emerging threats and take on higher-risk tasks to keep crewed aircraft out of danger.
CCAs are meant to team up with fourth- and fifth-gen fighters and lay the groundwork for sixth-gen operations.
Programs like the MQ-25 Stingray tanker are seen as stepping stones for larger uncrewed aircraft on carriers.
Industry concepts include General Atomics’s carrier-capable YFQ-42A, a potential MQ-28 Ghost Bat adaptation from Boeing, and Northrop leaning on its X-47B experience.
Parallel Effort
While the navy explores carrier-based options, the US Air Force is already moving ahead with its own CCA program, aiming to field up to 1,000 drones as “loyal wingmen.”
General Atomics’ YFQ-42A is already in flight testing, with Anduril’s YFQ-44A expected to follow soon.
Former US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall estimated each drone would cost $25 million to $30 million, well above the navy’s $15 million target.
