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{{Short description|Unmanned wingman combat aircraft}} {{Short description|Unmanned wingman combat aircraft}}
{{merge to|Loyal wingman|discuss=Talk:Collaborative combat aircraft#Proposed merge with Loyal Wingman|date=July 2024}}
] unmanned combat aerial vehicle]] ] unmanned combat aerial vehicle]]
'''Collaborative combat aircraft (CCA)''' is a US program for ]s (UCAVs) that is considered broadly equivalent to a ]. CCAs are intended to operate in collaborative teams with the next generation of manned combat aircraft, including ]s and bombers such as the ].<ref name= ccasForNgad >Stephen Losey </ref> Unlike the conventional UCAVs, the CCA incorporates ] (AI), denoted an "autonomy package", increasing its survivability on the battlefield. It is still expected to cost much less than a manned aircraft with similar capabilities.<ref name= massAirpower >Stephen Losey </ref> The US Air Force plans to spend more than $6&nbsp;billion on its CCA programs from 2023 to 2028.<ref name=tetheredUntetheredCca >Jon Harper </ref><ref name=xq58Funding/> The success of the CCA program may lessen the need for additional manned squadrons.<ref name=tirpak29mar/><ref name= nytCca >Eric Lipton '']'' </ref> <!--/><ref name=/> </ref>--> '''Collaborative combat aircraft (CCA)''' is a US program for ]s (UCAVs) that is considered broadly equivalent to a ]. CCAs are intended to operate in collaborative teams with the next generation of manned combat aircraft, including ]s and bombers such as the ].<ref name="ccasForNgad">{{Cite web |last=Losey |first=Stephen |date=2023-09-06 |title=US Air Force general eyes more uses for drone wingmen |url=https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2023/09/06/us-air-force-general-eyes-more-uses-for-drone-wingmen/ |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=Defense News |language=en}} </ref> Unlike the conventional UCAVs, the CCA incorporates ] (AI), denoted an "autonomy package", increasing its survivability on the battlefield. It is still expected to cost much less than a manned aircraft with similar capabilities.<ref name="massAirpower">{{Cite web |last=Losey |first=Stephen |date=2023-05-11 |title=US Air Force wants drone wingmen to bring 'mass' airpower on a budget |url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/unmanned/2023/05/11/us-air-force-wants-drone-wingmen-to-bring-mass-airpower-on-a-budget/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Air Force Times |language=en}} </ref> The US Air Force plans to spend more than $8.9 billion on its CCA programs from fiscal years 2025 to 2029, with an additional $661 million planned for fiscal year 2024.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Allen |first=Gregory |date=August 6, 2024 |title=The Department of Defense's Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program: Good News, Bad News, and Unanswered Questions |url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/department-defenses-collaborative-combat-aircraft-program-good-news-bad-news-and |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807052107/https://www.csis.org/analysis/department-defenses-collaborative-combat-aircraft-program-good-news-bad-news-and |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |website=Center for Strategic and International Studies}}</ref> The success of the CCA program may lessen the need for additional manned squadrons.<ref name=tirpak29mar/><ref name="nytCca">{{Cite news |last=Lipton |first=Eric |date=2023-08-27 |title=A.I. Brings the Robot Wingman to Aerial Combat |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/27/us/politics/ai-air-force.html |access-date=2024-04-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} </ref> <!--/><ref name=/> </ref>-->


==Characteristics== ==Characteristics==
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===Capabilities=== ===Capabilities===
Although a CCA will be a fraction of the cost of a manned fighter, they would not be considered expendable or even vulnerable to attrition.<ref name=notAttritable /> A CCA would have sufficient intelligence and onboard defence systems to survive on the battlefield. US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has described them as playing perhaps "100 roles":<ref name= cca100roles /> remotely controlled versions of ]s, ] pods or weapons carriers to provide additional sensors and munitions; to balance affordability and capability.<ref name=ccaCapability >Greg Hadley . ''Air & Space Forces Magazine''. </ref><ref name=notAttritable/> The price point of a CCA will determine how many types of missions a single airframe can perform, with more expensive designs able to be multirole aircraft, while cheaper designs could be modular to perform different tasks on different days which can afford to be lost in combat.<ref name= ccasForNgad /><ref name= moreMissions >. ''Air & Space Forces Magazine''. 7 September 2023.</ref> Although a CCA will be a fraction of the cost of a manned fighter, they would not be considered expendable or even vulnerable to attrition.<ref name=notAttritable /> A CCA would have sufficient intelligence and onboard defense systems to survive on the battlefield. US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has described them as playing perhaps "100 roles":<ref name= cca100roles /> remotely controlled versions of ]s, ] pods or weapons carriers to provide additional sensors and munitions; to balance affordability and capability.<ref name="ccaCapability">{{Cite web |last=Hadley |first=Greg |date=2022-12-15 |title=Air Force Leaders: CCA Is About Capability, Not Just Cost |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-leaders-cca-is-about-capability-not-just-cost/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}} </ref><ref name=notAttritable/>


The price point of a CCA will determine how many types of missions a single airframe can perform, with more expensive designs able to be multirole aircraft, while cheaper designs could be modular to perform different tasks on different days which can afford to be lost in combat.<ref name= ccasForNgad /><ref name="moreMissions">{{Cite web |last=Tirpak |first=John |date=2023-09-07 |title=More Range, More Missions: Air Force Leaders Open to a Wide Variety of Uses for CCAs |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/more-range-missions-ccas-air-force-leaders/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> Two increments are planned: increment 1 CCAs will have sensor and targeting systems to focus on carrying additional munitions for manned aircraft; increment 2 CCAs will have greater stealth and autonomy to perform missions including EW, ], and potentially act as decoys. It's possible two distinct solutions could emerge from this stage, one high end and "exquisite" and the other more basic and inexpensive oriented around a single mission.<ref name="airforcemag24april24">{{Cite web |last=Tirpak |first=John |date=2024-04-25 |title=Anduril and General Atomics to Develop New Collaborative Combat Aircraft for Air Force |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/cca-contract-winners-to-be-announced-imminently/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Autonomous, Armed and Dangerous |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/autonomous-armed-and-dangerous/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> Service officials started out developing the increment 2 CCA as a high-end, stealthy platform, but wargames showing that large numbers of low-end aircraft would be more effective than small numbers of high-end versions in a simulated Pacific conflict influenced them to rethink their approach.<ref name="airforcemag30april24">{{Cite web |last=Tirpak |first=John |date=2024-04-30 |title=Kendall: Air Force Expects 100 CCAs Operating Within Five Years |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/kendall-air-force-100-ccas-five-years/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>
The USAF is seeking CCAs with greater thrust than the current MQ-28 and the XQ-58.<ref name= needGreaterThrust >Aviation Week </ref>

The USAF is seeking CCAs with greater thrust than the current ] and the ].<ref name="needGreaterThrust">{{Cite web |title=U.S. Air Force Releases Engine Thrust Range For Future CCAs {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/us-air-force-releases-engine-thrust-range-future-ccas |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=aviationweek.com}}</ref><ref name="increments1and2">{{Cite web |title=Autonomous, Armed and Dangerous |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/autonomous-armed-and-dangerous/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>


== History == == History ==
The concept of the CCA arose in the early 2000s. CCA programs include the USAF ] (NGAD) program.<ref name=tirpak24 >{{Cite web|last=Tirpak|first=John|date=2022-06-24|title=Kendall Dispenses With Roper's Quick NGAD Rhythm; System is Too Complex|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/kendall-dispenses-with-ropers-quick-ngad-rhythm-system-is-too-complex/|access-date=2023-01-03|website=Air & Space Forces Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> The US Navy and USAF plan to be able to control the CCAs and NGADs of either service.<ref name=60percentUnmanned >Joseph Trevithick </ref><ref name=1000ccas >Michael Marrow "One way to think of is as remotely controlled versions of the targeting pods, electronic warfare pods or weapons now carried under the wings of our crewed aircraft" —]</ref><ref name=notAttritable >Michael Marrow </ref><ref name= 3NgadProtos >Tim McMillan NGADs and CCAs will team. At least 3 NGAD prototypes have been built (as of 2023).</ref> The concept of the CCA arose in the early 2000s. CCA programs include the USAF ] (NGAD) program.<ref name=tirpak24 >{{Cite web|last=Tirpak|first=John|date=2022-06-24|title=Kendall Dispenses With Roper's Quick NGAD Rhythm; System is Too Complex|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/kendall-dispenses-with-ropers-quick-ngad-rhythm-system-is-too-complex/|access-date=2023-01-03|website=Air & Space Forces Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> The US Navy and USAF plan to be able to control the CCAs and NGADs of either service.<ref name="60percentUnmanned">{{Cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=2023-04-05 |title=Navy Carrier-Based Drones Will Be Able To Be Controlled By The Air Force |url=https://www.twz.com/navy-carrier-based-drones-will-be-able-to-be-controlled-by-the-air-force |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}} </ref><ref name=1000ccas >Michael Marrow "One way to think of is as remotely controlled versions of the targeting pods, electronic warfare pods or weapons now carried under the wings of our crewed aircraft" —]</ref><ref name="notAttritable">{{Cite web |last=Marrow |first=Michael |date=2023-03-09 |title=CCA fighter wingmen drones won't be 'attritable,' despite 'common misconception': General |url=https://breakingdefense-wpe.sites.breakingmedia.com/2023/03/cca-fighter-wingmen-drones-wont-be-attritable-despite-common-misconception-general/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="3NgadProtos">{{Cite web |last=McMillan |first=Tim |date=2023-11-16 |title=Revealed: The Pentagon's Secretive Next-Generation X-Plane That Could Revolutionize Air Warfare |url=https://thedebrief.org/revealed-the-pentagons-secretive-next-generation-x-plane-that-could-revolutionize-air-warfare/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=The Debrief |language=en-US}}</ref> The CCA is being developed in collaborative fashion<ref name=cca17Nov22 >af.mil Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Office (SAF/PAO) </ref> by multiple commands of the USAF: MG ] of the ] (AFRL); MG ] of ] (ACC); LTG ], ] (PEO) for fighters and advanced aircraft; and BG Joseph Kunkel, ].<ref name="tirpak27Mar">{{Cite web |last=Tirpak |first=John |date=2023-03-27 |title=Part-Time Wingmen: CCAs Won't Always Be 'Tethered' to Crewed Platforms |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/ccas-untethered-crewed-platforms/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}} </ref> All four generals agreed on the need to put CCAs into the Joint Simulation Environment.<ref name=tirpak27Mar />{{efn|name=mosaicKillWeb|1= Improved CCA AI will simplify the ]s.<ref name= moreMissions/><ref name= jadc2KillWebs >Jaspreet Gill BG Luke Cropsey: "The first analysis of what that architecture would look like was delivered to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall in June "</ref> See Deptula and Penney, ''Mosaic Warfare''<ref name=deptulaPenney >Deptula and Penney </ref><ref name=kuperman >Dr Gregg Kuperman DARPA </ref><ref name=alderman >Ray Alderman multi-param expressions to fill in intelligence, use derivatives of position as analogy.</ref><ref name=cimsec>cimsec </ref><ref name=jadc2MosWar >SAM RICHMAN </ref><ref name=mosWarSmal >BENJAMIN JENSEN AND JOHN PASCHKEWITZ </ref><ref name=sldKilWeb >Robbin Laird </ref><ref name=fromKchainToKweb >RAY ALDERMAN </ref><ref name= kilWeb >Kris Osborn </ref><ref name=mosWarMdo >Theresa Hitchens </ref><ref name=kwebEnDen >Ed Timperlake and Robbin Laird </ref><ref name=kilWebCap >Lockheed-Martin </ref><ref name=ackStit >Eric Lofgren </ref><ref name= massAirpower /> <!--ref name=></ref-->}}
The CCA is being developed in collaborative fashion<ref name=cca17Nov22 >af.mil Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Office (SAF/PAO) </ref> by multiple commands of the USAF: MG ] of the ] (AFRL); MG ] of ] (ACC); LTG ], ] (PEO) for fighters and advanced aircraft; and BG Joseph Kunkel, ]. <ref name=tirpak27Mar >John A. Tirpak </ref> All four generals agreed on the need to put CCAs into the Joint Simulation Environment.<ref name=tirpak27Mar />{{efn|name=mosaicKillWeb|1= Improved CCA AI will simplify the ]s.<ref name= moreMissions/><ref name= jadc2KillWebs >Jaspreet Gill BG Luke Cropsey: "The first analysis of what that architecture would look like was delivered to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall in June "</ref> See Deptula and Penney, ''Mosaic Warfare'' <ref name=deptulaPenney >Deptula and Penney </ref> <ref name=kuperman >Dr Gregg Kuperman DARPA </ref> <ref name=alderman >Ray Alderman multi-param expressions to fill in intelligence, use derivatives of position as analogy.</ref> <ref name=cimsec>cimsec </ref> <ref name=jadc2MosWar >SAM RICHMAN </ref> <ref name=mosWarSmal >BENJAMIN JENSEN AND JOHN PASCHKEWITZ </ref> <ref name=sldKilWeb >Robbin Laird </ref> <ref name=fromKchainToKweb >RAY ALDERMAN </ref> <ref name= kilWeb >Kris Osborn </ref> <ref name=mosWarMdo >Theresa Hitchens </ref> <ref name=kwebEnDen >Ed Timperlake and Robbin Laird </ref> <ref name=kilWebCap >Lockheed-Martin </ref> <ref name=ackStit >Eric Lofgren </ref><ref name= massAirpower /> <!--ref name=></ref-->}}


Defense policy expert ] has identified five key elements for the collaborative development of crewed-uncrewed teaming of autonomous loyal wingmen, remote pilots of ]s (UAVs), and pilots flying separately in manned aircraft (also called ''manned-unmanned teaming'').<ref name=ccapp38 >] MITCHELL INSTITUTE Policy Paper '''38''' Sep 2022. 40 pages,</ref><ref name=hPenneyAsF>Heather Penney "The 5 Keys to Achieving Highly Collaborative Combat Aircraft"</ref><ref name=mitchellInstitute >Mitchell Institute podcast {{Citation|title=Episode 100 – Collaborative Combat Aircraft: Understanding Next Steps|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1uvcwRz9XE|language=en|access-date=2023-01-03}} pilots Heather Penney ('Lucky') and 'Slick'</ref> Defense policy expert ] has identified five key elements for the collaborative development of crewed-uncrewed teaming of autonomous loyal wingmen, remote pilots of ]s (UAVs), and pilots flying separately in manned aircraft (also called ''manned-unmanned teaming'').<ref name=ccapp38 >] MITCHELL INSTITUTE Policy Paper '''38''' Sep 2022. 40 pages,</ref><ref name="hPenneyAsF">{{Cite web |title=Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/crewed-uncrewed-teaming/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=mitchellInstitute >Mitchell Institute podcast {{Citation|title=Episode 100 – Collaborative Combat Aircraft: Understanding Next Steps| date=29 October 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1uvcwRz9XE|language=en|access-date=2023-01-03}} pilots Heather Penney ('Lucky') and 'Slick'</ref>


#Create concepts that will maximize the strengths of both CCA and piloted aircraft working as a team. #Create concepts that will maximize the strengths of both CCA and piloted aircraft working as a team.
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#Human workloads must be manageable. #Human workloads must be manageable.


The Autonomous Core System, ]'s autonomy package, was shown to be portable across multiple airframes;<ref name=skyborgST >Greg Hadley </ref><ref name=skyborgPEO >Daryl Meyer, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Public Affairs Vanguard program, 3 CGs for: PEO, technology executive, and test executive </ref> this has led Skyborg to become a Program of Record with a ] (PEO) for acquisition.<ref name=skyborgST /><ref name=ccaPEO >Shelley K. Mesch </ref> Skyborg will continue to serve as a science and technology platform.<ref name=skyborgST /> The Autonomous Core System, ]'s autonomy package, was shown to be portable across multiple airframes;<ref name="skyborgST">{{Cite web |last=Hadley |first=Greg |date=2022-08-16 |title='Wildly Successful' Skyborg Will Become Program of Record but Won't Stop Developing S&T |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/wildly-successful-skyborg-program-of-record-developing-st/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="skyborgPEO">{{Cite web |date=2021-05-06 |title=Skyborg autonomy core system has successful first flight |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2596671/skyborg-autonomy-core-system-has-successful-first-flight/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.af.mil%2FNews%2FArticle-Display%2FArticle%2F2596671%2Fskyborg-autonomy-core-system-has-successful-first-flight%2F |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Air Force |language=en-US}} </ref> this has led Skyborg to become a Program of Record with a ] (PEO) for acquisition.<ref name=skyborgST /><ref name="ccaPEO">{{Cite web |title=Air Force's Skyborg Vanguard to transition to Collaborative Combat Aircraft PEO {{!}} InsideDefense.com |url=https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/air-forces-skyborg-vanguard-transition-collaborative-combat-aircraft-peo |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=insidedefense.com}} </ref> Skyborg will continue to serve as a science and technology platform.<ref name=skyborgST />


] Trials (ADTs),<ref name=aiHumanDogfight1 /> 20 August 2020]] ] Trials (ADTs),<ref name=aiHumanDogfight1 /> 20 August 2020]]
] is a modified ] which can fly autonomously, with a test pilot to take over if necessary]] ] is a modified ] which can fly autonomously, with a test pilot to take over if necessary]]
] (UAV) at a ]]] ] (UAV) at a ]]]
Most UAVs are remotely piloted, but an AI program piloting a collaborative combat aircraft would need a ]er for crewed-uncrewed teaming. —].<ref name=hPenneyAsF /><ref name=mitchellInstitute /> Most UAVs are remotely piloted, but an AI program piloting a collaborative combat aircraft would need a ]er for crewed-uncrewed teaming. —].<ref name=hPenneyAsF /><ref name=mitchellInstitute /> In 2020, The ] (DARPA) ] test program established that AI programs that fly fighter aircraft will ] human pilots, to the extent that the AI agents even flew with fine motor control.<ref name=aiToFlyAircraft,assistPilots >Sydney J. Freedberg, Jr. For "human-machine teaming".
In 2020, The ] (DARPA) ] test program established that AI programs that fly fighter aircraft will ] human pilots, to the extent that the AI agents even flew with fine motor control.<ref name=aiToFlyAircraft,assistPilots >Sydney J. Freedberg, Jr. For "human-machine teaming".
* *
**Col. Daniel Javorsek, USAF: "This shifts the human role from single platform operator to mission commander".</ref><ref name=aiEthicsPrinciples>{{Cite web|last=Freedberg, Jr|first=Sydney J. |date=2020-02-24|title=DoD Adopts AI Ethics Principles – But How Will They Be Enforced?|url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2020/02/dod-adopts-ai-ethics-principles-but-how-will-they-be-enforced/|access-date=2023-01-03|website=Breaking Defense|language=en-US}}</ref> The ]<ref name=ngadUsniCrs >{{Cite web|date=2022-06-24|title=Report to Congress on Air Force Next-Generation Air Dominance Program|url=https://news.usni.org/2022/06/24/report-to-congress-on-air-force-next-generation-air-dominance-program|access-date=2023-01-03|website=USNI News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=ccaUrgency >{{Cite web|last=Losey|first=Stephen|date=2022-06-01|title=The Air Force's next-gen fighter has moved into a critical new phase|url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/06/01/the-air-forces-next-gen-fighter-has-moved-into-a-critical-new-phase/|access-date=2023-01-03|website=Defense News|language=en}}</ref> is anticipated to use loyal wingmen (CCAs).<ref name=ngad >Alex Hollings, Sandboxx {{Citation|title=The Air Force is fast-tracking its new NGAD fighter into service|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJa6SDVDbZI|language=en|access-date=2023-01-03}}</ref><ref name=ngadProtoHasFlown>{{Cite web|last=Insinna|first=Valerie|date=2020-09-15|title=The US Air Force has built and flown a mysterious full-scale prototype of its future fighter jet|url=https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2020/09/15/the-us-air-force-has-built-and-flown-a-mysterious-full-scale-prototype-of-its-future-fighter-jet/|access-date=2023-01-03|website=Defense News|language=en}}</ref><ref name=top7Priorities /> ] ] envisions these uncrewed aircraft as performing parts of a larger mission;<ref name=tirpak24 /> CCA development can be conducted in parallel with NGAD development, which has to take into account a larger set of requirements.<ref name=top7Priorities /> Up to five autonomous CCAs would operate with an NGAD.<ref name=tirpak24 /> **Col. Daniel Javorsek, USAF: "This shifts the human role from single platform operator to mission commander".</ref><ref name=aiEthicsPrinciples>{{Cite web|last=Freedberg, Jr|first=Sydney J. |date=2020-02-24|title=DoD Adopts AI Ethics Principles – But How Will They Be Enforced?|url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2020/02/dod-adopts-ai-ethics-principles-but-how-will-they-be-enforced/|access-date=2023-01-03|website=Breaking Defense|language=en-US}}</ref> An autonomy package on the VISTA testbed has demonstrated dogfighting capability.<ref name="aiDogfighter">{{Cite web |last=Marrow |first=Michael |date=2024-04-19 |title=In a 'world first,' DARPA project demonstrates AI dogfighting in real jet |url=https://breakingdefense-wpe.sites.breakingmedia.com/2024/04/in-a-world-first-darpa-project-demonstrates-ai-dogfighting-in-real-jet/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref> US Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall flew in the X-62A VISTA, which was under AI control.<ref name="kendallX62A">{{Cite web |last=Cenciotti |first=David |date=2024-05-03 |title=AF Secretary Kendall Flies In AI-Controlled X-62 VISTA at Edwards AFB |url=https://theaviationist.com/2024/05/03/af-secretary-kendall-flies-in-x-62a/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US}}</ref> The ]<ref name=ngadUsniCrs >{{Cite web|date=2022-06-24|title=Report to Congress on Air Force Next-Generation Air Dominance Program|url=https://news.usni.org/2022/06/24/report-to-congress-on-air-force-next-generation-air-dominance-program|access-date=2023-01-03|website=USNI News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=ccaUrgency >{{Cite web|last=Losey|first=Stephen|date=2022-06-01|title=The Air Force's next-gen fighter has moved into a critical new phase|url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/06/01/the-air-forces-next-gen-fighter-has-moved-into-a-critical-new-phase/|access-date=2023-01-03|website=Defense News|language=en}}</ref> is anticipated to use loyal wingmen (CCAs).<ref name=ngad >Alex Hollings, Sandboxx {{Citation|title=The Air Force is fast-tracking its new NGAD fighter into service| date=3 June 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJa6SDVDbZI|language=en|access-date=2023-01-03}}</ref><ref name=ngadProtoHasFlown>{{Cite web|last=Insinna|first=Valerie|date=2020-09-15|title=The US Air Force has built and flown a mysterious full-scale prototype of its future fighter jet|url=https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2020/09/15/the-us-air-force-has-built-and-flown-a-mysterious-full-scale-prototype-of-its-future-fighter-jet/|access-date=2023-01-03|website=Defense News|language=en}}</ref><ref name=top7Priorities /> ] ] envisions these uncrewed aircraft as performing parts of a larger mission;<ref name=tirpak24 /> CCA development can be conducted in parallel with NGAD development, which has to take into account a larger set of requirements.<ref name=top7Priorities /> Up to five autonomous CCAs would operate with an NGAD.<ref name=tirpak24 />


] (AFRL) will test their Skyborg manned-unmanned programs such as Autonomous Air Combat Operations (AACO),<ref name=16sorties /> and DARPA will test its Air Combat Evolution (ACE)<ref name=hephronAce /> artificial intelligence program.<ref name=calspan >{{Cite web|title=X-62A Completes First Successful VSS Flight :: Calspan|url=https://calspan.com/company/news/x-62a-completes-first-successful-vss-flight|access-date=2023-01-03|website=calspan.com}}</ref> The System for Autonomous Control of Simulation (SACS) software for human interface is being developed by ].<ref name=calspan /> ] (AFRL) will test their Skyborg manned-unmanned programs such as Autonomous Air Combat Operations (AACO),<ref name=16sorties /> and DARPA will test its Air Combat Evolution (ACE)<ref name=hephronAce /> artificial intelligence program.<ref name=calspan >{{Cite web|title=X-62A Completes First Successful VSS Flight :: Calspan|url=https://calspan.com/company/news/x-62a-completes-first-successful-vss-flight|access-date=2023-01-03|website=calspan.com}}</ref> The System for Autonomous Control of Simulation (SACS) software for human interface is being developed by ].<ref name=calspan />


DARPA's Longshot is an air-launched UAV meant to extend the range of a mission<ref name=longshotPhase2 >Michael Marrow "DARPA envisions a plane launching a drone, which in turn can launch its own weapons".</ref> and reduce the risk to manned aircraft, which could then remain at ]; if Longshot were to use Air Combat Evolution (ACE),<ref name=hephronAce /> missiles launched from that Longshot could more effectively select targets.<ref name=longshot >DARPA (8 Feb 2021) </ref> On March 6, 2023, DARPA chose ] (GA-ASI) to carry out the design of the air-launched Longshot drone through Critical Design Review (CDR); a LongShot would itself carry an ] or ], which greatly extends the range of these missiles.<ref name=gaLongshot >Chris Jennewein </ref> In this way, a ] or similar 4th-generation fighter can greatly increase their survivability, when armed with a LongShot.<ref name=gaLongshot /> GA-ASI is developing a core package (Gambit) for the CCA market.<ref name=gambit >Steve Trimble, ''Aviation Week'' 4 form factors for Gambit</ref> <!--<ref name=/></ref>--> DARPA's Longshot is an air-launched UAV meant to extend the range of a mission<ref name="longshotPhase2">{{Cite web |last=Marrow |first=Michael |date=2023-03-06 |title=DARPA moves General Atomics' 'LongShot' drone pitch to phase 2 |url=https://breakingdefense-wpe.sites.breakingmedia.com/2023/03/darpa-moves-general-atomics-longshot-drone-pitch-to-phase-2/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref> and reduce the risk to manned aircraft, which could then remain at ]; if Longshot were to use Air Combat Evolution (ACE),<ref name=hephronAce /> missiles launched from that Longshot could more effectively select targets.<ref name="longshot">{{Cite web |title=DARPA Initiates Design of LongShot Unmanned Air Vehicle |url=https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2021-02-08 |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=www.darpa.mil}} </ref> On March 6, 2023, DARPA chose ] (GA-ASI) to carry out the design of the air-launched Longshot drone through Critical Design Review (CDR); a LongShot would itself carry an ] or ], which greatly extends the range of these missiles.<ref name="gaLongshot">{{Cite web |last=Jennewein |first=Chris |date=2023-03-07 |title=General Atomics Developing 'Paradigm Changing' Drone for Air-to-Air Combat |url=http://timesofsandiego.com/military/2023/03/06/general-atomics-developing-paradigm-changing-drone-for-air-to-air-combat/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Times of San Diego |language=en-US}}</ref> In this way, a ] or similar 4th-generation fighter can greatly increase their survivability, when armed with a LongShot.<ref name=gaLongshot /> GA-ASI is developing a core package (Gambit) for the CCA market.<ref name="gambit">{{Cite web |title=The Weekly Debrief: GA-ASI Unveils Auto-Inspired Gambit Platform For Future UAS {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/shows-events/afa-air-space-cyber-conference/weekly-debrief-ga-asi-unveils-auto-inspired-gambit |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=aviationweek.com}}</ref>


On 9 December 2022 the Air Force Test Pilot School tested its ], a modified ] which can fly autonomously, with 2 different AI packages.<ref name=16sorties >Valerie Insinna DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution (ACE), AFRL's Autonomous Air Combat Operations (AACO) </ref> By 16&nbsp;December 2022 the Vista had flown eight sorties using ACE, and six sorties using AACO, at a rate of two sorties per day.<ref name=16sorties /><ref name=gitlin >Jonathan Gitlin This "allowed us to rapidly learn lessons and iterate at a much faster rate than with other air vehicles".—Lt. Col. Ryan "Hal" Hefron</ref><ref name=venom >Patrick Tucker Venom Project</ref> Six F-16s from ] will be fitted with autonomy agents, to establish the foundation of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.<ref name=6f16sWithVenom >Defense Updates Venom (Viper Experimentation and Next-Gen Operations Mode) Project</ref><ref name=ppbeFy24/><ref name=aiToFlyAircraft,assistPilots/> The CCA lines of effort {{as of|2023|3|lc=yes}} were:<ref name=ppbeFy24/><ref name=cca3Loes /> On 9 December 2022 the Air Force Test Pilot School tested its ], a modified ] which can fly autonomously, with 2 different AI packages.<ref name="16sorties">{{Cite web |last=Insinna |first=Valerie |date=2023-01-04 |title=Inside the special F-16 the Air Force is using to test out AI |url=https://breakingdefense-wpe.sites.breakingmedia.com/2023/01/inside-the-special-f-16-the-air-force-is-using-to-test-out-ai/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}} </ref> By 16 December 2022 the VISTA had flown eight sorties using ACE, and six sorties using AACO, at a rate of two sorties per day.<ref name=16sorties /><ref name=gitlin >Jonathan Gitlin This "allowed us to rapidly learn lessons and iterate at a much faster rate than with other air vehicles".—Lt. Col. Ryan "Hal" Hefron</ref><ref name="venom">{{Cite web |date=2023-03-27 |title=How Self-Flying F-16s Will Enable Future Fighter Drones |url=https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2023/03/how-self-flying-f-16s-will-enable-future-fighter-drones/384501/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Defense One |language=en}}</ref> Six F-16s from ] will be fitted with autonomy agents, to establish the foundation of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.<ref name=6f16sWithVenom >Defense Updates Venom (Viper Experimentation and Next-Gen Operations Mode) Project</ref><ref name=ppbeFy24/><ref name=aiToFlyAircraft,assistPilots/> The CCA lines of effort {{as of|2023|3|lc=yes}} were:<ref name=ppbeFy24/><ref name=cca3Loes />
#Developing the Collaborative combat aircraft platform itself, #Developing the Collaborative combat aircraft platform itself,
#developing the autonomy package that will fly a CCA, and #developing the autonomy package that will fly a CCA, and
#figuring out how to organize, train, equip and supply the CCA program <ref name=cca3Loes /> #figuring out how to organize, train, equip, and supply the CCA program <ref name=cca3Loes />


On 24 January 2024, the US Air Force awarded contracts to five contractor teams led by ], ], ], ], and ] for the development of collaborative combat aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Frank |date=2024-01-24 |title=USAF Confirms Five Companies Under Contract for CCA |url=https://www.defensedaily.com/usaf-confirms-five-companies-under-contract-for-cca/air-force/ |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=Defense Daily |language=en-US}}</ref> On 24 January 2024, the US Air Force awarded contracts to five contractor teams led by ], ], ], ], and ] for the development of collaborative combat aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Frank |date=2024-01-24 |title=USAF Confirms Five Companies Under Contract for CCA |url=https://www.defensedaily.com/usaf-confirms-five-companies-under-contract-for-cca/air-force/ |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=Defense Daily |language=en-US}}</ref>


On 24 April 2024, the US Air Force announced that they had eliminated Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman from the Increment I competition and that the Anduril Fury and General Atomics Gambit would be moving forward with development. The Air Force expects to make a final decision between the two companies' offerings by 2026.<ref name="airforcemag24april24"/><ref name="TWZ 24Apr24">{{cite news |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=General Atomics, Anduril Move Ahead In Collaborative Combat Aircraft Drone Program (Updated) |url=https://www.twz.com/air/general-atomics-anduril-move-ahead-in-collaborative-combat-aircraft-drone-program |access-date=24 April 2024 |publisher=The War Zone |date=April 24, 2024}}</ref> As the CCA program is expected to result in multiple types of aircraft with varying capabilities and costs, all companies are expected to bid again for follow-on Increments.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tirpak |first=John |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/competitors-not-picked-cca-look-forward-increment-2/ |title=Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2 |date=25 April 2024 |work=Air and Space Forces Magazine}}</ref>

On 19 September 2024 General Atomics displayed a full-scale model of a CCA.<ref name=gaAnduril >Ryan Finnerty </ref> One such CCA version is a 'missile truck',<ref name=gaAnduril /> which would augment the capabilities of a crewed/uncrewed mission. Anduril, a competing CCA vendor also displayed a full-scale model.
===Funding=== ===Funding===
A CCA is estimated to cost between one-half and one-quarter as much as an $80 million ].<ref name=tirpak29mar >John A. Tirpak . ''Air & Space Forces Magazine''. 29 March 2023.</ref> US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall is aiming for an initial fleet of 1,000 CCAs.<ref name= 1000CcasForBillions >Theresa Hitchens </ref> As elements of a crewed-uncrewed team, two CCAs could be teamed with an NGAD or F-35, say two for each of the 200 NGAD platforms,<ref name= ngadAwardInFy2024 >Valerie Insinna; editors: Leslie Adler and Richard Chang, Reuters Plan: spend $2.3 billion on the program in fiscal 2024</ref> and two for each of the 300 F-35s, in order to work out concepts to integrate them into the service,<ref name=cca3Loes >Stephen Losey . '']''.</ref> but the full inventory could be twice that size.<ref name=2000Ccas >John A. Tirpak . ''Air & Space Forces Magazine''.</ref> A CCA is estimated to cost between one-half and one-quarter as much as $80 million ];<ref name="tirpak29mar">{{Cite web |last=Tirpak |first=John |date=2023-03-30 |title=Collaborative Combat Aircraft Will Join the Air Force Before NGAD |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/collaborative-combat-aircraft-ngad-timeline/ |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> the desired cost is between $25-30 million per airframe.<ref name="airforcemag30april24"/> US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall is aiming for an initial fleet of 1,000 CCAs.<ref name="1000CcasForBillions">{{Cite web |last=Hitchens |first=Theresa |date=2023-11-14 |title=Air Force plans production of CCA wingman drones by FY28: Kendall |url=https://breakingdefense-wpe.sites.breakingmedia.com/2023/11/air-force-plans-production-of-cca-wingman-drones-by-fy28-kendall/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref> As elements of a crewed-uncrewed team, two CCAs could be teamed with an NGAD or F-35, say two for each of the 200 NGAD platforms,<ref name= ngadAwardInFy2024 >Valerie Insinna; editors: Leslie Adler and Richard Chang, Reuters Plan: spend $2.3 billion on the program in fiscal 2024</ref> and two for each of the 300 F-35s, in order to work out concepts to integrate them into the service,<ref name="cca3Loes">{{Cite web |last=Losey |first=Stephen |date=2023-03-08 |title=US Air Force eyes fleet of 1,000 drone wingmen as planning accelerates |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/03/08/us-air-force-eyes-fleet-of-1000-drone-wingmen-as-planning-accelerates/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref> but the full inventory could be twice that size.<ref name="2000Ccas">{{Cite web |last=Tirpak |first=John |date=2023-03-16 |title=Kendall: Air Force Wants as Many as 2,000 CCAs with a Common, Modular Airframe |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/kendall-air-force-2000-ccas-common-modular-airframe/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> As of 3 July 2024 the Air Force requested reprogramming an additional $150 million for CCA development in 2024.<ref name= fy2024CcaReprogrammingReq /> This is a 40% increase over the $392 million budget previously requested; the FY2025 budget request will reflect an additional increment;<ref name= fy2024CcaReprogrammingReq >Michael Marrow & Valerie Insinna </ref><ref name= 10millionPerCca >Audrey Decker : "As the Air Force contemplates a range of price points, the tabletop exercise suggests cheaper is better". Mode is $10 million per CCA in the Mitchell Institute study.</ref> the money for NGAD was adjusted appropriately.<ref name="needCheaperNgad">{{Cite web |last=Losey |first=Stephen |date=2024-07-01 |title=Next-gen fighter not dead, but needs cheaper redesign, Kendall says |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/07/01/next-gen-fighter-not-dead-but-needs-cheaper-redesign-kendall-says/ |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref>


The 26th Secretary of the US Air Force listed CCAs among his top seven priorities for the ] (FY) 2024 budget request to its Chief of staff:<ref name=top7Priorities>{{Cite web|last=Tirpak|first=John|date=2022-08-29|title=Brown: Collaborative Combat Aircraft Not Just for NGAD|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/brown-collaborative-combat-aircraft-not-just-for-ngad/|access-date=2023-01-03|website=Air & Space Forces Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> The 26th Secretary of the US Air Force listed CCAs among his top seven priorities for the ] (FY) 2024 budget request to its Chief of staff:<ref name=top7Priorities>{{Cite web|last=Tirpak|first=John|date=2022-08-29|title=Brown: Collaborative Combat Aircraft Not Just for NGAD|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/brown-collaborative-combat-aircraft-not-just-for-ngad/|access-date=2023-01-03|website=Air & Space Forces Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> Collaborative combat aircraft are entering the FY2024 presidential budget request;<ref name=ppbeFy24 >Kristyn E. Jones, performing the duties of Under Secretary of the Air Force, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget Maj. Gen. Mike A. Greiner </ref> Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) projects are estimated to be $500 million for perhaps "100 roles" in USAF missions in FY2024.<ref name="cca100roles">{{Cite web |date=2023-05-18 |title=USAF Sees '100 Roles' for Its Robot Wingmen—and Firms Are Lining Up to Make Them |url=https://www.defenseone.com/defense-systems/2023/05/usaf-envisions-100-roles-its-robot-wingmenand-companies-are-lining-make-them/386525/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Defense One |language=en}} </ref> The US Air Force plans to spend more than $6 billion on its CCA programs over the next five years (2023 to 2028).<ref name="tetheredUntetheredCca">{{Cite web |last=Harper |first=Jon |date=2023-03-27 |title=Air Force preparing for 'tethered' and 'untethered' CCA drone operations |url=https://defensescoop.com/2023/03/27/air-force-preparing-for-tethered-and-untethered-cca-drone-operations/ |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=DefenseScoop |language=en-US}}</ref>
Collaborative combat aircraft are entering the FY2024 presidential budget request;<ref name=ppbeFy24 >Kristyn E. Jones, performing the duties of Under Secretary of the Air Force, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget Maj. Gen. Mike A. Greiner </ref> Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) projects are estimated to be $500 million for perhaps "100 roles" in USAF missions in FY2024.<ref name= cca100roles >Audrey Decker </ref> The US Air Force plans to spend more than $6 billion on its CCA programs over the next five years (2023 to 2028).<ref name=tetheredUntetheredCca/>


== List of CCAs == == List of CCAs ==
Line 61: Line 64:


Examples include: Examples include:
* ] Gambit{{efn|name=obss|1= Off board sensor system (OBSS)<ref name=gambit /><ref name=obssGambit >Valerie Insinna </ref><ref name= eaglet >Donald Dixon </ref>}} * ] Gambit{{efn|name=obss|1= Off board sensor system (OBSS)<ref name=gambit /><ref name=obssGambit >Valerie Insinna </ref><ref name= eaglet >Donald Dixon </ref><ref name= xq67a >Michael Marrow OBSS</ref>}}
* ]<ref name="TWZ 26Apr24">{{cite news |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=XQ-67 Confirmed To Be A Prototype For General Atomics' Collaborative Combat Aircraft Design |url=https://www.twz.com/air/xq-67-confirmed-to-be-a-prototype-for-general-atomics-collaborative-combat-aircraft-design |access-date=27 April 2024 |publisher=The Warzone |date=26 Apr 2024}}</ref><ref name="genAtomics2024">{{Cite web |title=General Atomics Expects To Beat USAF's Schedule With CCA Design {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/shows-events/army-aviation-association-america/general-atomics-expects-beat-usafs-schedule-cca |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=aviationweek.com}}</ref><ref name="aflcmc">{{Cite web |last=Patrascu |first=Daniel |date=2024-04-29 |title=USAF Settles on Support Drone for Fighter Aircraft, To Be Made by General Atomics |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/usaf-settles-on-support-drone-for-fighter-aircraft-to-be-made-by-general-atomics-233073.html |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=autoevolution |language=en}}</ref><ref name="xq67aVideo">{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Chris |date=2024-06-27 |title=Air Force Releases First Video of XQ-67 CCA Prototype in Flight |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-first-video-xq-67-cca-prototype-flight/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ] * ]
* ]<ref name=mannedUnmannedTeaming >], Inc. </ref><ref name= xq58Funding >Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert </ref> * ]<ref name=mannedUnmannedTeaming >], Inc. </ref><ref name="xq58Funding">{{Cite web |last=Tangalakis-Lippert |first=Katherine |title=The US Air Force wants $5.8 billion to build 1,000 AI-driven unmanned combat aircraft, possibly more, as part of its next generation air dominance initiative |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-budget-58-billion-build-ai-powered-valkyrie-aircraft-2023-8 |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ] Vanguard program entrants.<ref name=ccaPEO/><ref name=top7Priors >{{Cite web|last=Insinna|first=Valerie|date=2022-12-28|title=Air Force looks to take flight on 7 imperatives: 2023 Preview|url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2022/12/air-force-looks-to-take-flight-on-7-imperatives-2023-preview/|access-date=2023-01-03|website=Breaking Defense|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=hephronAce >Lt. Col. Ryan Hefron (July 2021) </ref><ref name=collabAutonomy >Breaking Defense </ref> * ] Vanguard program entrants.<ref name=ccaPEO/><ref name=top7Priors >{{Cite web|last=Insinna|first=Valerie|date=2022-12-28|title=Air Force looks to take flight on 7 imperatives: 2023 Preview|url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2022/12/air-force-looks-to-take-flight-on-7-imperatives-2023-preview/|access-date=2023-01-03|website=Breaking Defense|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="hephronAce">{{Cite web |title=Air Combat Evolution |url=https://www.darpa.mil/program/air-combat-evolution |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=www.darpa.mil}}</ref><ref name="collabAutonomy">{{Cite web |last=Defense |first=Breaking |date=2023-03-20 |title=Operations in contested environments demand collaborative autonomy between crewed and uncrewed aircraft |url=https://breakingdefense-wpe.sites.breakingmedia.com/2023/03/operations-in-contested-environments-demand-collaborative-autonomy-between-crewed-and-uncrewed-aircraft/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ]


==See also== ==See also==
*] *]
*]


== Notes and references == == Notes and references ==

Latest revision as of 01:08, 31 October 2024

Unmanned wingman combat aircraft
It has been suggested that this article be merged into Loyal wingman. (Discuss) Proposed since July 2024.
XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned combat aerial vehicle

Collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) is a US program for unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs) that is considered broadly equivalent to a loyal wingman. CCAs are intended to operate in collaborative teams with the next generation of manned combat aircraft, including sixth-generation fighters and bombers such as the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider. Unlike the conventional UCAVs, the CCA incorporates artificial intelligence (AI), denoted an "autonomy package", increasing its survivability on the battlefield. It is still expected to cost much less than a manned aircraft with similar capabilities. The US Air Force plans to spend more than $8.9 billion on its CCA programs from fiscal years 2025 to 2029, with an additional $661 million planned for fiscal year 2024. The success of the CCA program may lessen the need for additional manned squadrons.

Characteristics

A CCA is a military drone with an onboard AI control system and capability to carry and deliver a significant military weapons load. Its AI system is envisaged as being significantly lighter and lower-cost than a human pilot with their associated life support systems, but offering comparable capability in flying the aircraft and in mission execution.

Role

The principal application is to elevate the role of human pilots to mission commanders, leaving AIs to operate under their tactical control as high-skill operators of relatively low-cost robotic craft.

CCAs can perform other missions as well, as "a sensor, as a shooter, as a weapons carrier, as a cost reducer".

Capabilities

Although a CCA will be a fraction of the cost of a manned fighter, they would not be considered expendable or even vulnerable to attrition. A CCA would have sufficient intelligence and onboard defense systems to survive on the battlefield. US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has described them as playing perhaps "100 roles": remotely controlled versions of targeting pods, electronic warfare pods or weapons carriers to provide additional sensors and munitions; to balance affordability and capability.

The price point of a CCA will determine how many types of missions a single airframe can perform, with more expensive designs able to be multirole aircraft, while cheaper designs could be modular to perform different tasks on different days which can afford to be lost in combat. Two increments are planned: increment 1 CCAs will have sensor and targeting systems to focus on carrying additional munitions for manned aircraft; increment 2 CCAs will have greater stealth and autonomy to perform missions including EW, SEAD, and potentially act as decoys. It's possible two distinct solutions could emerge from this stage, one high end and "exquisite" and the other more basic and inexpensive oriented around a single mission. Service officials started out developing the increment 2 CCA as a high-end, stealthy platform, but wargames showing that large numbers of low-end aircraft would be more effective than small numbers of high-end versions in a simulated Pacific conflict influenced them to rethink their approach.

The USAF is seeking CCAs with greater thrust than the current MQ-28 and the XQ-58.

History

The concept of the CCA arose in the early 2000s. CCA programs include the USAF Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. The US Navy and USAF plan to be able to control the CCAs and NGADs of either service. The CCA is being developed in collaborative fashion by multiple commands of the USAF: MG Heather L. Pringle of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL); MG R. Scott Jobe of Air Combat Command (ACC); LTG Dale R. White, program executive officer (PEO) for fighters and advanced aircraft; and BG Joseph Kunkel, DCS, Plans and Programs. All four generals agreed on the need to put CCAs into the Joint Simulation Environment.

Defense policy expert Heather Penney has identified five key elements for the collaborative development of crewed-uncrewed teaming of autonomous loyal wingmen, remote pilots of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and pilots flying separately in manned aircraft (also called manned-unmanned teaming).

  1. Create concepts that will maximize the strengths of both CCA and piloted aircraft working as a team.
  2. Include operators in CCA development to ensure they understand how they will perform in the battlespace.
  3. Warfighters must be able to depend on CCA autonomy.
  4. Warfighters must have assured control over CCA in highly dynamic operations.
  5. Human workloads must be manageable.

The Autonomous Core System, Skyborg's autonomy package, was shown to be portable across multiple airframes; this has led Skyborg to become a Program of Record with a Program Executive Officer (PEO) for acquisition. Skyborg will continue to serve as a science and technology platform.

DARPA AlphaDogfight Trials (ADTs), 20 August 2020
The General Dynamics X-62 VISTA is a modified F-16 which can fly autonomously, with a test pilot to take over if necessary
MQ-9 Reaper (UAV) at a forward area refuelling point

Most UAVs are remotely piloted, but an AI program piloting a collaborative combat aircraft would need a mission commander for crewed-uncrewed teaming. —Heather Penney. In 2020, The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) AlphaDogfight test program established that AI programs that fly fighter aircraft will overmatch human pilots, to the extent that the AI agents even flew with fine motor control. An autonomy package on the VISTA testbed has demonstrated dogfighting capability. US Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall flew in the X-62A VISTA, which was under AI control. The NGAD is anticipated to use loyal wingmen (CCAs). Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall envisions these uncrewed aircraft as performing parts of a larger mission; CCA development can be conducted in parallel with NGAD development, which has to take into account a larger set of requirements. Up to five autonomous CCAs would operate with an NGAD.

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) will test their Skyborg manned-unmanned programs such as Autonomous Air Combat Operations (AACO), and DARPA will test its Air Combat Evolution (ACE) artificial intelligence program. The System for Autonomous Control of Simulation (SACS) software for human interface is being developed by Calspan.

DARPA's Longshot is an air-launched UAV meant to extend the range of a mission and reduce the risk to manned aircraft, which could then remain at standoff range; if Longshot were to use Air Combat Evolution (ACE), missiles launched from that Longshot could more effectively select targets. On March 6, 2023, DARPA chose General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) to carry out the design of the air-launched Longshot drone through Critical Design Review (CDR); a LongShot would itself carry an AMRAAM or Sidewinder missile, which greatly extends the range of these missiles. In this way, a Boeing F-15EX Eagle II or similar 4th-generation fighter can greatly increase their survivability, when armed with a LongShot. GA-ASI is developing a core package (Gambit) for the CCA market.

On 9 December 2022 the Air Force Test Pilot School tested its General Dynamics X-62 VISTA, a modified F-16 Fighting Falcon which can fly autonomously, with 2 different AI packages. By 16 December 2022 the VISTA had flown eight sorties using ACE, and six sorties using AACO, at a rate of two sorties per day. Six F-16s from Eglin AFB will be fitted with autonomy agents, to establish the foundation of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The CCA lines of effort as of March 2023 were:

  1. Developing the Collaborative combat aircraft platform itself,
  2. developing the autonomy package that will fly a CCA, and
  3. figuring out how to organize, train, equip, and supply the CCA program

On 24 January 2024, the US Air Force awarded contracts to five contractor teams led by Anduril, Boeing, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman for the development of collaborative combat aircraft.

On 24 April 2024, the US Air Force announced that they had eliminated Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman from the Increment I competition and that the Anduril Fury and General Atomics Gambit would be moving forward with development. The Air Force expects to make a final decision between the two companies' offerings by 2026. As the CCA program is expected to result in multiple types of aircraft with varying capabilities and costs, all companies are expected to bid again for follow-on Increments.

On 19 September 2024 General Atomics displayed a full-scale model of a CCA. One such CCA version is a 'missile truck', which would augment the capabilities of a crewed/uncrewed mission. Anduril, a competing CCA vendor also displayed a full-scale model.

Funding

A CCA is estimated to cost between one-half and one-quarter as much as $80 million Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II; the desired cost is between $25-30 million per airframe. US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall is aiming for an initial fleet of 1,000 CCAs. As elements of a crewed-uncrewed team, two CCAs could be teamed with an NGAD or F-35, say two for each of the 200 NGAD platforms, and two for each of the 300 F-35s, in order to work out concepts to integrate them into the service, but the full inventory could be twice that size. As of 3 July 2024 the Air Force requested reprogramming an additional $150 million for CCA development in 2024. This is a 40% increase over the $392 million budget previously requested; the FY2025 budget request will reflect an additional increment; the money for NGAD was adjusted appropriately.

The 26th Secretary of the US Air Force listed CCAs among his top seven priorities for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget request to its Chief of staff: Collaborative combat aircraft are entering the FY2024 presidential budget request; Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) projects are estimated to be $500 million for perhaps "100 roles" in USAF missions in FY2024. The US Air Force plans to spend more than $6 billion on its CCA programs over the next five years (2023 to 2028).

List of CCAs

Several CCAs are or have been under development.

Examples include:

See also

Notes and references

  1. ^ Off board sensor system (OBSS)
  2. Improved CCA AI will simplify the kill chains. See Deptula and Penney, Mosaic Warfare
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