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.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.