The new loyal wingman drone to accompany U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) crewed fighter jets will be provided by Kratos and Northrop Grumman (NG).
The two firms announced they had been awarded an initial contract to “rapidly develop” the USMC’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
The award has been made via an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) mechanism and is valued at just over $230 million, as per industry reports. Later awards for extra mission capabilities may follow in due course.
The USMC’s Marine Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft (MUX TACAIR) CCA programme will combine Kratos’ XQ-58 Valkyrie uncrewed aerial system (UAS) with NG’s sensors and Prism autonomy software, as per press statements.
The companies said that its prototype CCA had already successfully completed more than 20 test flights “in operationally relevant environments.”
Vice president of advanced mission capabilities at NG Krys Moen commented: “Northrop Grumman remains at the forefront of advanced sensing capabilities, delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of the warfighter with unmatched speed and reliability.
“This enhanced capability set ensures optimal performance for both crewed and uncrewed platforms.”
And Unmanned Systems Division president at Kratos Steve Fendley added: “The integration of the Kratos Valkyrie aircraft system configured with the world’s best multifunction mission systems from Northrop Grumman results in a high-capability CCA at a price point that enables the uncrewed systems to be deployed in mass with crewed aircraft.”
In separate news NG also announced last week it had won a $94 million contract to develop a new second-stage solid rocket motor (SSRM) for the U.S. Navy’s extended-range missile programmes.
Its senior director of propulsion systems and control, Gordon LoPresti, said: “The successful development and demonstration of our SSRM in just ten months showcases our unique, affordable, and versatile extended-range capabilities.”
- You can read more details on the Northrop Grumman website and the Kratos website