WASHINGTON– Lockheed Martin has unveiled its new autonomous collaborative combat aircraft, Vectis, designed to team with the F-35 (F35) stealth fighter in multi-domain missions.
Developed by its Skunk Works advanced projects unit, Vectis aims to integrate seamlessly with fifth-generation platforms and add capabilities like targeting, electronic warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Photo: Lockheed MartinWhat Is Vectis Designed For
The U.S. company said the first prototype of Vectis should fly within two years, as it leverages stealth design elements and modular architecture to achieve survivability at a price point appropriate for collaborative combat aircraft (CCA).
Vectis is an uncrewed jet conceived for multiple mission roles: offensive and defensive counter-air, electronic warfare, precision strike, plus ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance). It also supports teaming with crewed fighters such as the F-35 (F35) and potentially the F-22.
It uses an open systems architecture so it can integrate payloads and mission systems not built by Lockheed Martin, enhancing adaptability. Vectis shows a blended-wing body fuselage with a single dorsal air intake and delta wing design, as seen in artist renderings.
Photo: TheInformant-XStrategic Implications for Air Force and Allies
Lockheed claims it leverages its decades of experience in stealth and low-observable systems to deliver “best in CCA class survivability”. Although Lockheed has not confirmed features like engine type or top speed, it indicated that supersonic performance is not a requirement.
Lockheed plans to build and fly a Vectis prototype within two years. According to Flight Global, It is aimed to be priced under $20 million per aircraft, consistent with other CCA offerings. The parts are already ordered and development is underway.
Key specifications, including engine type, speed, maximum payload, and exact stealth metrics, remain undisclosed.
The U.S. Air Force leads Western development in the CCA space, with competing prototypes already in or nearing flight testing.
Vectis has not been officially entered in all competitions, but Lockheed suggests it could compete depending on future requirements, especially for Increment 2 of the CCA programme. Allies may also be interested since Vectis is built for compatibility across global missions.
As with all advanced military development programmes, cost, certification, and integration hurdles may delay operational deployment.
Photo: TheInformant-XBottom Line
Lockheed Martin’s Vectis represents a new paradigm in crewed-uncrewed teaming, providing high survivability, mission flexibility, and affordability.
While prototypes are still under development and many details are not yet final, the aircraft could significantly enhance the capabilities of the F-35 fleet and allied air forces.
The next two years will be crucial to validate whether Vectis meets its design promises and cost targets.
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