US Air Force aiming to have CCA operational by end of the decade
US Air Force Colonel Helfrich and representatives from Anduril, General Atomics, Kratos and Shield AI discuss the CCA programme at the Airpower Futures Forum on 13 November. (Photo: author)
By making “tough choices”, the US Air Force’s CCA programme has continued to move forward with Increment 2 on the horizon.
The current timeline for the Collaborative Combative Aircraft (CCA) programme will see the initiative reach “operational capability by the end of the decade”, according to US Air Force Colonel Timothy Helfrich, senior materiel leader for the Advanced Aircraft Division at Air Force Materiel Command.
At the Airpower Futures Forum organised by the Mitchell Institute and taking place last week in Washington DC, Helfrich announced that the CCA designs of Anduril Industries and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems had completed their critical design reviews and production for prototype testing could now begin.
Helfrich and fellow panellists Diem Salmon, VP for air dominance
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore P-8A buy integral to future maritime domain awareness network]()
Singapore P-8A buy integral to future maritime domain awareness network
Singapore’s acquisition of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon will be part of a maritime domain awareness network that could include unmanned aerial systems.
-
![Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy]()
Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy
The potential foreign military sale covers 12 F-16 aircraft as well as related training and equipment support, the DSCA notice said.
-
![DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF]()
DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF
Aiming to field a more integrated, agile force, the military leader said in a keynote speech that focus on these core areas would be increased to help the RAF deter and meet challenges in the new threat landscape.
-
![DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)]()
DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
-
![Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service]()
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
