The US on Thursday implemented a change in the way its air force would fight future wars. It has awarded separate contracts to two companies to make ‘unmanned jets’, which will work in tandem with traditional fighter jets flown by pilots.
Called the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), it builds upon decades of semi-autonomous flight development. “ The CCA are designed to seamlessly integrate with crewed fighters to extend reach, awareness and survivability in contested environments,” said the US air force. “This human-machine teaming will serve as a powerful deterrent,” it added.
The US Air Force has announced that it has awarded engineering and manufacturing development and production contracts to General Atomics and Anduril for making two types of CCA. “Collaborative Combat Aircraft changes how we project power and generate mass in highly contested environments,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen Ken Wilsbach.
The CCA programme has tested ammunitions to methodically validate weapons integration, structural performance and safety, ensuring the platform can safely carry external stores.
