Something “Serious” Underway at the Skunkworks

Sept. 19, 2005

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Lockheed is working on an unmanned aircraft with significant new capabilities, Neil Kasena, director of advanced development programs—the “Skunkworks”—tells Air Force Magazine’s John Tirpak. The manta-ray-shaped craft, called “Serious,” has a central jet engine, which powers lift fans embedded in the wings for vertical takeoffs, landings, and hover. At speed, though, covers slide into place over the fans, making the wing seamless and stealthy. Full-scale wind tunnel tests are underway.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

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