All articles tagged with #unmanned aircraft
The U.S. Marines have begun production of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), a vehicle-based drone hunter-killer system that uses two light tactical vehicles equipped with Stinger missiles and a 30mm cannon to target unmanned and manned aircraft, replacing older MANPADs and enhancing aerial threat defense capabilities.
Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works has unveiled the Vectis, a new stealthy, reusable collaborative combat aircraft designed for both U.S. and international military use, capable of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and surveillance missions, with flight expected in two years. The aircraft builds on previous sixth-generation prototypes and aims to offer high survivability and flexibility, potentially serving alongside crewed aircraft and competing with similar international designs.
Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works has unveiled Vectis, a highly adaptable, stealthy Group 5 combat drone designed for multi-mission roles including air-to-air, air-to-surface, and ISR, expected to fly within two years. The drone emphasizes survivability, modularity, and open mission systems, with a focus on interoperability and rapid upgradability, aiming to meet diverse operational needs across global theaters. Its development aligns with evolving military concepts like distributed operations and runway independence, though it remains runway-dependent in its current form.
Ahead of a major military parade in Beijing, China is set to unveil multiple new unmanned aerial vehicles, including various 'loyal wingman' style drones inspired by or similar to the FH-97 and XQ-58A Valkyrie, along with advanced missile systems, underwater vehicles, and armored ground units, showcasing its efforts to modernize and expand its military capabilities.
The US Air Force is developing collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) to expand its fighter fleet in preparation for great-power competition with China. CCAs can operate remotely or autonomously and perform a range of missions, including air-to-air combat, airstrikes, and intelligence-gathering. They will be able to operate alongside piloted aircraft in manned-unmanned teams or completely autonomously with other CCAs. The Air Force wants cheaper, capable airframes to provide "affordable mass" and address pilot retention and generation issues. The development of CCAs is one of the Air Force's biggest priorities and will shape the future of its inventory.