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Lockheed Martin has announced it will expand production of the Lockheed Martin Vectis uncrewed combat aircraft, with four additional vehicles planned.
The production jump reportedly comes in response to LM Skunk Works’ urgency to develop survivable, multi-mission, autonomous capability in the US market.
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A full-scale model was shown off for the first time at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference this week. Skunk Works expects the platform to achieve first flight next year.
“Vectis is designed to deliver a new level of autonomous lethality, survivability, adaptability and operational flexibility for America and its allies,” a statement released by Lockheed Martin read.
“Its flexible architecture will enable Vectis to evolve alongside the mission, while its ability to integrate with crewed aircraft, like the F-35, will help extend reach, create new tactical options and keep warfighters ahead of emerging threats.
“The team moved from the first drawing to a wind tunnel fly-off in less than two months, completed the first digital build in six months and released the first part in just eight months, keeping the first prototype on schedule to fly by the end of 2027.
“That pace is enabled by advanced design and manufacturing processes developed through internal investment across advanced development programs.”
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