U.S. Navy Taps GA-ASI for Next-Generation Collaborative Combat Aircraft Design

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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a global leader in unmanned aerial systems, has been awarded a contract by the United States Navy to develop a conceptual design for a future Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This initiative represents a significant step forward in shaping the next generation of carrier air wings, where manned and unmanned aircraft will operate seamlessly together. The Navy’s decision to entrust GA-ASI with this project underscores the company’s long-standing expertise in unmanned combat aviation and its proven track record of innovation.

Photo: ga-asi.com

A Modular Approach to Future Combat Aviation

The U.S. Navy’s vision for the CCA program emphasizes modularity, adaptability, and rapid technological integration. Unlike traditional acquisition programs that often span decades, the Navy is pursuing a revolutionary procurement strategy: buying in smaller, more frequent increments. This approach allows for the rapid insertion of new technologies and ensures that the fleet remains agile in responding to evolving threats.

GA-ASI’s design philosophy aligns perfectly with this strategy. The company is developing a modular platform that can be quickly reconfigured and upgraded to meet diverse mission requirements, including carrier-based operations. This flexibility ensures that the CCA will not only complement existing aircraft but also remain relevant as new technologies emerge.

Building on Air Force Success

The Navy contract follows GA-ASI’s earlier success with the U.S. Air Force, where the company was selected to design and fly the first Air Force CCA, designated YFQ-42A. This aircraft, a representative production model, achieved its maiden flight in August, marking a historic milestone for GA-ASI and the broader CCA program.

The YFQ-42A demonstrated the feasibility of producing cost-effective, semi-autonomous combat aircraft that can operate alongside manned fighters. By leveraging lessons learned from the Air Force program, GA-ASI is well-positioned to accelerate the Navy’s efforts and deliver a carrier-capable CCA in the near future.

Enhancing Combat Power and Reducing Risk

At its core, the CCA concept is designed to enhance the effectiveness of manned aircraft while reducing risks to human pilots. These semi-autonomous jets can be produced in large numbers at relatively low cost, allowing commanders to deploy them in high-risk environments where manned aircraft would be vulnerable.

CCAs can perform a wide range of missions, from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to electronic warfare, strike operations, and air defense. By augmenting the capabilities of legacy fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, as well as complementing sixth-generation platforms currently in development, CCAs will significantly increase the lethality, survivability, and flexibility of carrier air wings.

GA-ASI’s Proven Experience in Unmanned Combat Aviation

GA-ASI has been at the forefront of unmanned combat aviation for more than 17 years. The company pioneered jet-powered unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs) with the MQ-20 Avenger, which first flew in 2008. Since then, GA-ASI has continued to refine its designs, working closely with both the U.S. Navy and international partners to advance carrier-based unmanned operations.

All of GA-ASI’s UCAVs, including the XQ-67A, YFQ-42A, and MQ-20 Avenger, have been configured to align with the Advanced Mission Systems–General Requirements Architecture (AMS-GRA). This ensures interoperability, modularity, and rapid reconfiguration across platforms. The XQ-67A, for example, is a modular unmanned jet developed under contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory. It achieved its first flight in 2024 and has already demonstrated the ability to serve as an Off-Board Sensing Station, providing critical ISR support to manned aircraft.

The Gambit Series and Carrier-Based Operations

At the 2024 Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom, GA-ASI unveiled its vision for carrier-based CCA operations under the codename Gambit 5. The Gambit series represents a family of unmanned aircraft built around a common core, enabling rapid reconfiguration into multiple mission-specific variants. This approach allows for substantial commonality in production, reducing costs and enabling large-scale manufacturing.

The Gambit 5 concept specifically addresses the challenges of carrier operations, including catapult launches, arrested landings, and integration with manned aircraft on crowded flight decks. By leveraging its experience with modular design, GA-ASI aims to deliver a flexible, affordable, and scalable solution for the Navy’s future air wings.

Recent Milestones in Carrier-Based UAV Operations

GA-ASI has already demonstrated its ability to operate unmanned aircraft from naval vessels. In 2023, the company’s Mojave short takeoff and landing (STOL) demonstrator successfully launched and landed aboard the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier. This achievement marked the first time a UAV of its class had operated from a British carrier.

In 2024, Mojave further proved its versatility by taking off from the South Korean amphibious assault ship Dokdo and flying to a naval base ashore. These demonstrations highlight GA-ASI’s commitment to advancing carrier-based UAV operations and provide valuable insights for the development of the Navy’s CCA program.

A Legacy of Innovation and Global Reach

Over the past two decades, GA-ASI has developed more than two dozen types of unmanned aircraft and delivered over 1,200 units to customers worldwide. The company manufactures more than 100 aircraft annually at its 5-million-square-foot facility in Poway, California. Collectively, GA-ASI aircraft have accumulated more than 9 million flight hours, with over 50 of its aircraft airborne at any given moment around the globe.

This extensive operational experience, combined with a robust manufacturing infrastructure, positions GA-ASI as a trusted partner for the U.S. military and allied nations. The company’s ability to deliver reliable, combat-proven systems at scale ensures that it will continue to play a central role in shaping the future of unmanned combat aviation.

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