US Navy reveals new specifications for carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The U.S. Navy released a Request for Information on August 31, 2026, detailing specifications for a future carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The autonomous drone must carry up to 5 tons of weapons, cost no more than $30 million per unit, and operate from Ford- and Nimitz-class carriers using existing infrastructure. The Navy seeks two prototypes capable of carrier qualifications within three years, with contractor responses due by September 18, 2026.
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US Navy reveals new specifications for carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The U.S. Navy has released a Request for Information (RFI) detailing new specifications for its future carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The RFI, published on August 31, 2026, calls for an autonomous combat drone capable of carrying up to 5 tons of weapons, with a cost target of no more than $30 million per unit. The Navy seeks two prototypes that can achieve shore-based and carrier qualifications within three years. The CCA must operate from Ford- and Nimitz-class carriers, including catapult takeoffs and arrested landings in Sea State 5 conditions, using existing carrier air wing personnel and the MD-5 Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System. The aircraft's physical dimensions must fit existing carrier deck, elevator, and hangar bay requirements, with a spot factor not exceeding fourth-generation fighter aircraft. The Navy also wants contractors to suggest alternatives for a deck handling system that can operate all carrier-based unmanned air vehicles during emergency conditions without increasing support equipment or requiring additional flight deck personnel. The RFI sets a response deadline of September 18, 2026.
US Navy reveals new specifications for carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The U.S. Navy has released a Request for Information (RFI) detailing new specifications for its future carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The RFI, published on August 31, 2026, calls for an autonomous combat drone capable of carrying up to five tons of weapons, with a unit cost target of no more than $30 million. While the combat radius was not specified, the Navy seeks maximum range data including weapons loadout and reserve fuel. The aircraft must carry four external weapons up to 2,500 pounds each and operate from Ford- and Nimitz-class carriers using existing infrastructure and personnel. The Navy wants two prototypes ready for shore-based and carrier qualifications within three years. The CCA is designed to team with manned aircraft in contested environments, reduce reliance on expensive manned platforms, and absorb operational losses. Contractors must respond by September 18, 2026. The price target has doubled from an earlier $15 million goal, reflecting the program's evolving requirements.
US Navy reveals new specifications for carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The U.S. Navy has released a Request for Information (RFI) detailing new specifications for its future carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), an autonomous combat drone designed to operate alongside manned aircraft. The RFI, published on August 31, 2026, calls for a drone capable of carrying up to 5 tons of weapons, including four external weapons of up to 2,500 pounds each, at a target cost of $30 million per unit. The Navy seeks two prototypes that can achieve shore-based and carrier qualifications within three years, operating from Ford- and Nimitz-class carriers without major infrastructure changes. The CCA must use existing carrier air wing personnel and the MD-5 Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System. The drone's spot factor must not exceed that of fourth-generation fighters, and it must handle catapult launches and arrested landings in Sea State 5 conditions. The price target has increased from an earlier goal of $15 million per unit. Responses are due by September 18, 2026.
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US Navy unveils new specs for carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The U.S. Navy has released a Request for Information (RFI) detailing new specifications for its future carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The RFI, published on August 31, 2026, seeks industry input on an autonomous combat drone designed to team with manned carrier aircraft. Key requirements include a payload capacity of up to 5 tons (four weapons of 2,500 pounds each externally), a cost target of no more than $30 million per unit, and the ability to operate from Ford- and Nimitz-class carriers including catapult launches and arrested landings in Sea State 5 conditions. The Navy wants two prototypes capable of achieving carrier qualifications within three years, with minimal changes to existing carrier infrastructure and using current carrier air wing personnel. The CCA is intended to perform single- and multi-aircraft strike missions in contested environments, reducing the risk to human pilots and providing a more affordable, rapidly replaceable platform compared to manned aircraft. The response deadline for contractors is September 18, 2026.
US Navy reveals new specifications for carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The U.S. Navy has released a Request for Information (RFI) detailing new specifications for its future carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The RFI, published on August 31, 2026, outlines requirements for an autonomous combat drone designed to operate from Ford- and Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. Key specifications include a payload capacity of up to 5 tons (four 2,500-pound external weapons), a unit cost target of no more than $30 million, and compatibility with existing carrier infrastructure such as catapults and arrested landings in Sea State 5 conditions. The Navy seeks two prototypes capable of achieving carrier qualifications within three years. The CCA is intended to team with manned aircraft, perform strike missions in contested environments, and reduce the cost of replacing lost manned platforms. The aircraft must be controlled via the existing MD-5 Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System and not require significant changes to carrier decks, elevators, or hangar bays. The response deadline for contractors is September 18.