US Navy sets specs for carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)

The US Navy issued new requirements for an autonomous, carrier-capable Collaborative Combat Aircraft designed to team with manned fighters, including catapult launch/arrested recovery, MD-5 control integration, and a heavy external weapons load (up to four 2,500-lb-class weapons). The novelty is the push for a relatively affordable, high-payload, carrier-certified autonomous strike platform that fits existing CVN deck/elevator constraints and can operate in EMCON conditions with minimal added personnel/equipment.