US Navy Issues Four Contracts for Conceptual CCA Designs
The U.S. Navy has awarded contracts to four major aerospace prime contractors — Anduril, Northrop Grumman, Boeing and General Atomics — for 'conceptual designs' for a carrier-based autonomous combat drone, according to a Navy document obtained by Breaking Defense.
Additionally, Lockheed Martin is under contract for the drone’s 'common control', according to a slide on Collaborative Combat Aircraft from the Navy’s program executive office for unmanned aviation and strike weapons, dated Aug. 20.
It is unclear how long the companies have been under contract and working on their CCA designs. A Navy official told Breaking Defense that the document’s information concerning the four aerospace primes and Lockheed Martin “is accurate,” but did not provide further information.
After publication, both Anduril and Northrop confirmed their participation in the program.
“We’re partnering with the US Navy to develop conceptual designs for their future collaborative combat aircraft and are bringing our deep experience in naval aviation and advanced autonomy,”
Northrop said in a statement.
Anduril said it had been selected by the Navy
“to develop designs for carrier-ready Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). We are focused on delivering an aircraft built specifically to the Navy’s distinct needs, at rapid speed and formidable scale.”
In a statement, Lockheed spokesperson Melissa Dalton confirmed the company is under contract for the common control system, specifically with the Skunk Works MDCX autonomy platform. Dalton noted that the company tested the MDCX with a General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger last year, “advancing technology necessary for future Collaborative Combat Aircraft.”
Top Photo: Collins Aerospace Capture
Sources: Breaking Defense; The War Zone
