Skunk Works, Lockheed Martin’s secretive research arm, plans to construct four additional prototypes of its advanced experimental drones as the division pursues commercialization opportunities with the United States Armed Forces.
Last year, the team introduced Vectis — a Category 5 unmanned aerial vehicle designed for broad operational versatility.
During the opening session of the Air & Space Force Association Defense Conference near Washington, D.C., executives revealed substantial advancements in the current model and confirmed plans to scale the production number to five units overall.
“We are proceeding with a strategy to develop four further variants, elevating the total to five when accounting for the inaugural prototype,” stated Ron Fehlen, Skunk Works vice president and general manager.
“Development work on these subsequent airframes has already commenced, and preliminary configurations will be released shortly.”
Company officials presented visual renderings of the Vectis combat platform to reporting personnel ahead of the conference. The drone measures approximately 34 feet in length and boasts a 38‑foot wingspan; its submerged engine intake and tailless configuration are intended to minimize aerodynamic resistance while enhancing operational adaptability.*
*Note: As specified by the speaker, the aircraft will require further detail release.*
“From an affordability perspective — which we continuously evaluate — we are actively working toward matching the CCA price band. Consequently, our engineering decisions incorporate necessary tradeoffs to remain cost‑competitive,” Fehlen explained.
“The initiative appears squarely aligned with the CCA objectives, where precise market positioning drives design choices.”
While Lockheed emphasized enthusiasm regarding the aircraft’s design philosophy, the divisional leader refrained from disclosing whether a particular service branch had been selected as the primary contract winner, nor elaborated upon weapon systems, propulsion architecture, or projected development costs. Interested parties include the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy, each seeking collaborative combat capabilities.
“Given our established expertise in manned tactical systems, integrating Vectis can function seamlessly within contemporary operator fleets,” Fehlen added.
