The U.S. Navy issued a Request for Information on August 31 outlining specifications for its future carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), a drone designed to operate alongside manned jets. The service wants the CCA to carry up to 5 tons of weapons and cost no more than $30 million per unit, with a response deadline of September 18. Contractors must detail the aircraft’s combat radius, including fuel reserves and a 30-minute on-station capability, while supporting both internal and external weapons loads.
The RFI requires two prototypes capable of shore-based and carrier qualifications within three years, emphasizing extended range, payload capacity, and minimal deck footprint. The CCA must integrate with existing CVN-class carrier infrastructure, including Ford- and Nimitz-class ships, and operate under Sea State 5 conditions. Flight operations will use current carrier air wing personnel and the MD-5 Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System, with no additional deck-handling equipment required.
The Navy aims to field an autonomous drone that can perform strike missions in contested environments, reducing reliance on manned platforms amid high replacement costs. While the 2024 target price was $15 million per unit, the RFI now seeks interim plans to meet the $30 million affordability goal.
