The Evolution of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Program: A Look at Increment 1 and the Future
Air Force Leadership Given Discretion on Meeting CCA Increment 2 Conditions
The airforce is currently developing the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program's Increment 1, with General Atomics and Anduril leading the charge. These uncrewed wingmen aim to supplement crewed fighter jets, boosting the US Airforce's combat capabilities. A specialized Experimental Operations Unit at Nellis Air Force Base is testing and evaluating these aircraft, transitioning from simulated to real-life flight testing [2][3].
Looking ahead, anticipations for Increment 2 are on the rise. The specifications for this phase are nearly finalized, with a focus on cost-effective and less complex designs in comparison to Increment 1. Various manufacturers and technology providers may join forces with General Atomics and Anduril for Increment 2, potentially enhancing the capabilities of the CCA program [5].
Industry Participation and Program Sustainment Costs
- Industry Participation: Further partnerships with manufacturers and technology providers could expand for Increment 2, augmenting the program's capabilities.
- Sustainment Costs: The program's sustainment costs are speculated to be affected by factors such as:
- Design Simplicity: The focus on simpler designs for Increment 2 could decrease production and maintenance expenses, potentially reducing sustainment costs as well.
- Volume Production: The Airforce plans to mass-produce these drones, leveraging economies of scale, and reducing unit costs.
- Autonomy and Integration: The need for advanced autonomy and seamless integration with crewed aircraft could necessitate investment in software and system development, which might impact sustainment costs in the long run.
Taking a Closer Look at Sustainment
The CCA program's reliance on cutting-edge autonomy and crewed aircraft integration might demand ongoing technology upgrades and maintenance. Still, the cost benefits from mass production and simpler designs might balance these expenses, ensuring the program's long-term sustainability. Furthermore, the Airforce's objective of reducing conventional runway dependency through air-launched capabilities could introduce operational complexities but also afford strategic flexibility [5].
In conclusion, while precise details on Increment 2's timeline and sustainment costs are yet to be disclosed, the program's emphasis on cost-effectiveness and simplicity should help manage these costs and ensure the program's continuity. The race continues as the incoming Trump administration eagerly awaits the Airforce's requirements for Increment 2. Stay tuned!
P.S. The CCA program is an ongoing, evolving project, with good ideas receiving proper attention [6]. Those manufacturers that failed to secure Increment 1 contracts have been given another chance to participate in Increment 2 [7]. So, it's not a win-or-lose situation for industry players, as there's always another competition on the horizon [6]. Notable industry players, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, have submitted less costly and less complex Increment 1 proposals after concluding the Airforce's desires were misinterpreted [7].
Air Operational Imperative 4: Tactical Air Dominance
Air Operational Imperative 7: Readiness to Deploy and Fight
Rapid Acquisition & Sustainment
- The aerospace industry may broaden its involvement in Increment 2, potentially enhancing the CCA program's capabilities.
- Technological advancements and integration with crewed aircraft could necessitate ongoing maintenance and updates, influencing the program's long-term sustainability.
- The focus on design simplicity in Increment 2 could help reduce production and maintenance expenses, aiding in the program's sustainability.
- Mass-production and economies of scale are planned for the CCA drones, aiming to decrease unit costs and promote program sustainability.
