TheTechno Optimist.

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Lockheed Martin

Defense, aerospace, Skunk Works

USpublicest. 1995lockheedmartin.com (opens lockheedmartin.com)Checked 10 Oct

The brief

Analyst view
  • Skunk Works, Lockheed Martin's advanced development organization, develops military aircraft.
  • Vectis is a collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) designed to operate alongside F-35 and F-22 fighters.
  • Five Vectis aircraft in build; first flight targeted by end of 2027.

Technical approach

As reported
Autonomy

Autonomous flight and mission execution

Vectis operates autonomously, with humans setting goals and approving weapon use rather than piloting.

Integration

Collaborative teaming with crewed aircraft

Flies alongside F-35 and F-22 fighters, taking high-risk sensor and weapons roles.

Design

Stealth shaping and efficient aerodynamics

Tailless lambda-wing design reduces drag and enables low-observable radar signature.

Primer