The US Air Force has made significant strides in its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program by selecting RTX and Shield AI to enhance the autonomous capabilities of its operational prototypes. The two companies will play pivotal roles in advancing the mission autonomy of the CCA, which aims to revolutionize how uncrewed aircraft support crewed fighter jets in complex combat scenarios.
RTX will work on integrating its advanced mission autonomy suite into the YFQ-42A drone developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI). In parallel, Shield AI will implement its Hivemind artificial intelligence autonomy software into Anduril’s YFQ-44A drone. These technologies are designed to empower the uncrewed aircraft to make autonomous decisions in executing complex missions, such as intercepting or actively hunting enemy aircraft.
Both RTX and Shield AI are set to receive government funding to further develop the software for their respective drones, as reported by sources familiar with the situation. However, the Air Force has not provided an official announcement on these selections, citing enhanced security measures protecting subcontractor information.
The CCA program represents a crucial initiative for the US Air Force, as it seeks to develop uncrewed aircraft that can operate alongside piloted fighter jets, like the F-22 Raptor, serving effectively as “loyal wingmen.” The competition for this program was stiff, with five defense contractors vying for the opportunity, but it was GA-ASI and Anduril that ultimately prevailed.
In March, following a series of evaluations, the prototypes were officially designated as fighter drones for the first time in Air Force history. Initial tests for the prototypes commenced in May, paving the way for the development of next-generation combat tactics.
GA-ASI’s YFQ-42A drone successfully completed its inaugural flight in August. Meanwhile, Anduril’s YFQ-44A is on track to have its first flight in October, as the company focuses on refining its semi-autonomous flight control system, according to Diem Salmon, Vice President for Air Dominance and Strike at Anduril.
As the CCA program progresses, the integration of these advanced technologies aims to enhance mission effectiveness and operational capability in future air combat scenarios.
