Lockheed Martin Advances Vectis Drone Program with Key Propulsion Milestone

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® has announced a critical development in its autonomous systems portfolio, selecting the Williams International FJ44-4 turbofan engine to power the Vectis prototype. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the company’s internally funded “loyal wingman” project, which aims to deliver a high-performance, stealthy uncrewed aerial system (UAS) capable of operating alongside fifth-generation fighters like the F-35.

The announcement, described by the company as “powering up” the prototype, clarifies the Propulsion strategy for the aircraft. While Lockheed Martin is a known leader in directed energy systems, the company confirmed that this specific milestone refers to the integration of the jet engine rather than a laser weapon payload. The Vectis program represents a strategic pivot for the defense giant as it targets the upcoming “Increment 2” of the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program and international defense markets.

Technical Specifications and Propulsion

According to the press release, the selection of the Williams International FJ44-4 engine was driven by a need for reliability and speed in development. The FJ44-4 is a commercially proven turbofan engine, widely used in business jets, which offers approximately 3,600 pounds of thrust. By utilizing a mature commercial engine, Skunk Works aims to reduce technical risk and accelerate the flight testing timeline.

Peter McArdle, Integrated Systems Program Director at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the strategic value of this choice in the company’s statement:

“By leveraging a mature, rugged turbofan, we can accelerate our timeline and demonstrate a game-changing capability quickly.”

Performance Capabilities

The Vectis prototype is designed as a Group 5 UAS, a classification for large, high-altitude Drones. The aircraft features a “lambda wing” tailless design and utilizes advanced composite materials to achieve what Lockheed Martin describes as “best-in-class” low observability (stealth). Key performance metrics released by the company include:

• Speed: High subsonic (estimated Mach 0.8 – 0.85), designed to keep pace with crewed fighters.
• Range: Greater than 1,000 nautical miles, specifically tailored for the vast distances of the Indo-Pacific theater.
• Endurance: Four or more hours of flight time.
• Timeline: First flight is scheduled for 2027.

Strategic Context: The CCA Competition

The development of Vectis occurs against the backdrop of the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) competition. In April 2024, the Air Force selected Startups Anduril and General Atomics for the first round of the program, bypassing traditional prime contractors like Lockheed Martin. In response, Skunk Works has chosen to internally fund the Vectis program rather than wait for a government contract.

Lockheed Martin is positioning Vectis as a “high-end” alternative to the more “expendable” drones currently being prioritized. The platform is designed with an open systems architecture, allowing for the integration of third-party software and payloads, a direct response to government demands for modularity and the avoidance of vendor lock-in.

OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, highlighted the broader vision for the platform:

“We’re not simply building a new platform – we’re creating a new paradigm for air power based on a highly capable, customizable and affordable agile drone framework.”

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The “Attritable” vs. “Survivable” Debate

The Vectis program highlights a central debate in modern aerial warfare: the trade-off between cost and survivability. While the initial round of the CCA program favored lower-cost, “attritable” systems that commanders might be willing to lose in combat, Lockheed Martin is betting that peer conflicts, specifically against adversaries with advanced air defense systems, will require more robust, stealthy platforms.

By targeting “Increment 2” of the CCA program, Lockheed appears to be wagering that the Air Force’s requirements will shift back toward higher performance and survivability once the limitations of cheaper drones are fully understood. Furthermore, the focus on F-35 compatibility suggests a strong play for international export markets, where allies operating the Joint Strike Fighter (such as the UK, Australia, and Japan) will require autonomous wingmen that match the stealth profile of their crewed fleets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the “Powering Up” headline mean Vectis has a laser weapon?
No. The phrase refers to the selection of the turbofan engine for propulsion. While the aircraft has an open architecture that could theoretically support various payloads, the current announcement is strictly about the flight engine.

When will the Vectis drone fly?
Lockheed Martin has set an aggressive timeline, with the First-Flight scheduled for 2027.

Is the U.S. Government funding this project?
Currently, the project is internally funded by Lockheed Martin. The company is developing the prototype independently to demonstrate capability for future U.S. and international contracts.

What weapons can Vectis carry?
The aircraft features a modular payload bay designed to carry air-to-air missiles (such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM), small diameter bombs, or sensors for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare.

Sources: Lockheed Martin