US Navy issues new specs for carrier-based CCA, seeks 5-ton payload, under $30M per unit

The U.S. Navy this week released a new set of specifications for its future carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), outlining key performance requirements and cost targets for the autonomous drone program.

Key Requirements

According to a Request for Information (RFI) issued on August 31, the Navy is seeking an aircraft that can:

• Carry up to 5 tons of weapons
• Cost no more than $30 million per unit
• Achieve shore-based and aircraft carrier qualifications within three years via two prototypes

While the service did not disclose the aircraft's combat radius, the RFI asks prospective contractors to "provide the maximum combat radius including weapons loadout, 30 minutes on-station and reserve fuel for safe recovery that the proposed solution can perform."

Weapons and Payload

The CCA must be capable of carrying four weapons up to 2,500 pounds each externally throughout the target flight envelope and carrier certification flights. Designs may include both internal and external weapons configurations.

Carrier Integration

The Navy requires a platform that integrates seamlessly with existing carrier infrastructure:

• Must operate from Ford- and Nimitz-class carriers
• Must support catapult takeoffs and arrested landings up to Sea State 5 (waves up to 13 feet high)
• Physical dimensions must meet deck, elevator, and hangar bay requirements
• Spot factor (deck and hangar space) must not exceed that of existing fourth-generation fighter aircraft
• Must require minimal specialized support and deck-handling equipment

Flight operations will be conducted using existing carrier air wing personnel, with CCA drones controlled by the MD-5 Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System, the same system used for the MQ-25 Stingray.

Strategic Purpose

The CCA project aims to deliver an autonomous combat drone capable of teaming with manned carrier aircraft in contested environments increasingly dangerous for human pilots. The Navy also envisions these drones as a means to offset traditional weapons losses, addressing the "high cost and extended timelines required to replace manned platforms and naval surface combatants," which "limit the Joint Force's capacity to absorb operational losses."

The ideal unmanned aircraft would execute both single- and multi-aircraft strike missions. Conceptual images from major defense firms such as Anduril and General Atomics suggest designs resembling smaller versions of manned stealth fighters.

Cost Evolution

The CCA's price target has grown since initial planning. In 2024, Navy officials indicated a desired cost of approximately $15 million per unit, reflecting the drone's expendable nature. The new RFI, however, asks companies to provide an interim manufacturing and supply chain plan for "reaching the Navy's affordability goals of $30 million per unit."

Future Handling Systems

While the Navy seeks minimal specialized equipment initially, it does eventually want new methods for servicing and handling CCA platforms. Contractors are asked to propose alternatives for "a deck handling system that can operate all carrier-based unmanned air vehicles through launch, recovery and deck operations during EMCON [emergency] conditions without increasing support equipment solutions or requiring any additional flight deck personnel."

Timeline

Prospective contractors have until September 18 to respond to the RFI.

About the author: Michael Peck is a correspondent for Defense News and a columnist for the Center for European Policy Analysis.