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Key takeaways
- Lockheed Martin is producing four additional Vectis drones to accelerate its autonomous combat programme.
- This unobtrusive robotic companion increases the firepower of the F‑35 by carrying out high-risk missions.
- Thanks to rapid digital design processes, the first aircraft will take to the skies at the end of 2027.
Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division is expanding its investment in the Vectis autonomous combat drone by producing four additional units. This expansion brings the total number of aircraft to five, including the primary prototype. This step signals a stronger commitment to the programme, as the company aims to get the first aircraft into the air by the end of 2027.
Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The Vectis is designed as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and intended as a robotic companion for manned fighter jets such as the F‑35. By using a semi-autonomous platform for high-risk tasks or for carrying specialised sensors and weapons, the military can extend its tactical reach and firepower while at the same time reducing the costs and risks associated with manned combat aircraft.
The drone is designed for highly contested environments and features a flexible architecture that allows it to be adapted to different mission profiles.
Stealth
Recent design modifications, unveiled via a full-scale model during the Air, Space & Cyber Conference, underline the focus on stealth. The latest version no longer has a tail and is equipped with a recessed air intake on the top to minimise radar detection.
In terms of size, the aircraft is about 10.5 metres long with a wingspan of 11.5 metres. These dimensions place it in the air force’s Group 5 category, meaning it weighs more than 600 kilograms and can operate at altitudes above 5,500 metres.
Accelerated development path
The development of the Vectis has progressed remarkably quickly. Using internally funded advanced manufacturing tools and digital design processes, the team managed to move from first sketches to wind tunnel tests in less than two months.
Within half a year, a complete digital blueprint was ready and eight months after the start of the project the first physical component was produced.
United States and allies
Although the US Air Force had previously selected General Atomics and Anduril Industries for the first phase of its CCA initiative, Lockheed Martin is positioning the Vectis for future procurement rounds. The company is targeting a broad customer base, including the US Navy and international allies, with the aim of offering a versatile, scalable alternative to traditional manned aircraft. (fc)
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