Harrison Kass
The US Air Force’s forthcoming Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program is designed to serve as an autonomous drone wingman to the sixth-generation F-47 NGAD, marking the beginning of a new era in airpower, where automated and manned aircraft work in synchronization.
The CCA drones, which are designated as fighter aircraft, are being built to provide combat capability at a mere fraction of the cost of standard, manned fighter jets. The CCAs will be built with an emphasis on survivability, autonomy, and adaptability, with the Air Force planning to procure about 1,000 units, allowing for two CCAs to be paired with each manned fighter.
The result, in theory, will be scalable force multiplication while controlling costs and reducing risk exposure for human pilots. While the CCA is ostensibly a pairing between manned and autonomous platforms, the program is undoubtedly the next step in a shift away from manned fighters toward autonomous or unmanned fighters. If the CCA program goes well, expect the fighter developed after the F-47 to be completely unmanned.
The CCA program will feature two distinct platforms: the General Dynamics YFQ-42A and the Anduril Industries YFQ-44A. In March 2025, the Air Force designated both CCA platforms as a “fighter,” the first time any drone has received the fighter designation. The symbolism is clear, marking a doctrinal shift towards the use of drone aircraft.
The YFQ-42A is derived from the XQ-67A demonstrator, which first flew in early 2024. The YFQ-44A is derived from Anduril’s Fury drone. Both drones are part of the Air Force’s Increment 1 effort, which focuses on air-to-air missions and integration with manned fighters, such as the F-35 Lightning II and F-47 NGAD.
Ground testing for both CCA platforms commenced in May 2025. First flights are expected in late summer. The Air Force is expected to make a final production decision by the end of fiscal year 2026. Operational fielding of the CCAs could begin as early as the late 2020s.
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