Air Force Eyes Six Vendors for Next Phase of Robotic Wingman Program

The U.S. Air Force is poised to select up to six vendors for the early prototyping phase of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Increment 2 program, according to Colonel Timothy Helfrich, who oversees fighter and advanced aircraft acquisitions. The service currently collaborates with nine unnamed companies to refine concepts and define requirements for this robotic wingman initiative, a process expected to last approximately ten months.

Helfrich emphasized that the Air Force aims to maximize competition throughout all phases of CCA Increment 2, similar to its approach in the first increment. This strategic move is designed to foster innovation and ensure that the chosen vendors can deliver advanced capabilities for future combat scenarios. The goal is to create drones capable of flying alongside fifth- and sixth-generation fighter jets, enhancing offensive strike and intelligence-gathering operations.

The CCA program falls under the broader Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) family of systems, an initiative aimed at maintaining U.S. air superiority in a rapidly evolving global security environment. The incremental development strategy allows for continuous integration of the latest technological advancements into each new iteration of the drones.

For Increment 1, Anduril and General Atomics were selected to build the initial platforms following competitive bidding earlier this year. As the program progresses to its second increment, officials are considering various design options, including both cost-effective and high-performance configurations. However, Helfrich clarified that while the Air Force envisions these drones as having a long operational lifespan, they can also be deployed in attritable roles if mission requirements dictate.

A significant shift is occurring in the propulsion sector for CCA Increment 2. Unlike the first increment, which utilized existing engines to expedite deployment, the second phase will explore clean-sheet engine designs tailored specifically to meet the evolving needs of advanced unmanned aircraft systems. This approach underscores the Air Force's commitment to developing cutting-edge technology that can adapt to future combat challenges.

John Sneden, program acquisition executive for propulsion, explained that the service has awarded contracts to several vendors for preliminary design activities related to CCA Increment 2 engines. These include smaller engines with a thrust class of 1,400 to 1,600 pounds and medium-class engines with 5,000 to 6,000 pounds of thrust. The propulsion systems under development will either be entirely new designs or modified versions of existing engines, depending on the specific requirements.

The Air Force's strategic pivot towards bespoke engine solutions for CCA Increment 2 reflects a broader trend in military aviation: adapting traditional procurement practices to accelerate innovation and maintain technological superiority in an increasingly competitive global landscape.