Lockheed Martin has unveiled a full-scale model of its Vectis stealth drone at the Air and Space Forces Association conference in National Harbor, Maryland, while expanding the internally funded programme to five aircraft. The Skunk Works concept is aimed at the growing market for collaborative combat aircraft, with first flight still targeted for the end of 2027.
The company is building four additional prototypes after showing the clearest public look yet at the tailless design, which is being developed as a large Group 5 uncrewed combat aircraft. Vectis is intended to operate alongside crewed fighters such as the F-35 and other advanced aircraft in contested airspace.
Lockheed has kept key performance data private, including range, payload, speed, endurance and weapons fit. The extra prototypes are expected to support testing and production validation as the Air Force and industry continue to push autonomous wingman-style systems.