In a landmark development for aviation technology, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has secured a pivotal contract to build production representative flight test articles of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Advanced Aircraft Division. This significant milestone underscores GA-ASI’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and shaping the future of aerial combat.
Pioneering the Future of Aviation
The CCA program represents a bold step towards transforming aerial warfare, aiming to develop a low-cost, modular, unmanned aircraft capable of operating in collaborative teams with manned combat aircraft. GA-ASI’s selection for this crucial contract follows an initial 6-month phase culminating in a successful CCA preliminary design review earlier this year, affirming the company’s expertise and capabilities in advancing aviation technology.
Proven Success and Innovation
In February 2024, GA-ASI achieved a significant milestone with the successful maiden flight of the XQ-67A CCA prototype aircraft, validating the innovative “genus/species” concept pioneered by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) as part of the Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing (LCAAPS) program. This prototype, based on GA-ASI’s Off-Board Sensing Station developed for the AFRL, has since completed additional test flights, laying the groundwork for a successful production and flight test program.
Shaping the Future of Air Combat
Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs for GA-ASI, emphasised the transformative impact of the CCA program, stating, “The CCA program redefines the future of aviation and will shape the USAF acquisition model to deliver affordable combat mass to the warfighter at the speed of relevancy.” This sentiment was echoed by GA-ASI President David R. Alexander, who highlighted the company’s commitment to unmanned air-to-air combat operations and unmatched UAS experience, ensuring the production of CCA aircraft at scale to deliver affordable combat mass for the warfighter.
Accelerating Operational Autonomy
In addition to the CCA contract, GA-ASI will continue to conduct autonomy and mission system tests on the MQ-20 Avenger® UAS and XQ-67A, further accelerating the readiness of operational autonomy. These live flight tests will demonstrate the full mission capability to support the emerging U.S. Air Force Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP), solidifying GA-ASI’s position as a leader in shaping the future of autonomous aerial systems.
As GA-ASI embarks on this groundbreaking endeavour, the company remains dedicated to advancing aviation technology and equipping the warfighter with the tools needed to maintain superiority in the evolving landscape of aerial combat.