Lockheed Martin Unveils Vectis, a New Collaborative Combat Aircraft for Next-Gen Air Dominance
Lockheed Martin has revealed a new collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) concept, Vectis. This uncrewed system is designed to work alongside crewed fighters, offering strike, surveillance, electronic warfare, and escort capabilities.
Vectis is a Group 5 system, intended for use in both the Indo-Pacific and European theatres. It is expected to have ranges compatible with these regions, making it a versatile addition to the US Air Force's 'family of systems' for next-generation air dominance.
The system is designed with survivability in mind. It incorporates stealth shaping and materials from previous aircraft programmes, making it suitable for heavily contested environments. Vectis is expected to deliver stealth, range, and mission flexibility at a price point suitable for mass production.
Development of Vectis is already underway. Lockheed aims to design, build, and fly the system within two years. The project draws on decades of work in stealth shaping, advanced fighter development, and open-architecture software. Parts have been ordered, and teams are assembling test articles.
The launch of Vectis signals Lockheed's intention to compete for a share of future CCA fleets procurement. The company aims to deliver a system that integrates well with existing platforms and offers significant operational advantages. The identity of the person replacing OJ Sanchez as Head of Skunk Works is not yet known.
