U.S. Navy unveils new specifications for Collaborative Combat Aircraft

The United States Navy has released a Request for Information (RFI) detailing ambitious new specifications for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The requirements aim to develop autonomous aircraft capable of operating alongside manned naval platforms.

Key technical specifications include a heavy weapons capacity of up to five tons, with a requirement to carry four weapons weighing up to 2,500 pounds each externally. The Navy has set a cost ceiling of $30 million per unit. While a specific combat radius has not been mandated, contractors must demonstrate maximum range, including fuel for 30 minutes on station and safe recovery.

The Navy seeks two prototypes capable of completing both shore-based and aircraft carrier qualifications within a three-year timeframe. Some analysts note that these requirements shift the program toward more advanced uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) rather than smaller loyal wingman drones, echoing capabilities previously explored in the shelved UCLASS program.