Skunk Works reveals survivable Group 5 collaborative combat aircraft

The Vectis aircraft has been designed to combine stealth and affordability with mission flexibility, supporting Indo-Pacific, European and Central Command theatres through advanced manufacturing and digital engineering.

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has introduced Vectis, a Group 5 collaborative combat aircraft designed to advance American and allied air dominance. The aircraft builds on the company’s experience in fighter development, autonomy and open mission architectures to deliver a survivable and affordable system.

Vectis integrates with fifth and next-generation platforms under a Family of Systems vision, using proven control systems such as MDCX to ensure compatibility across command and control networks. Its multi-role capabilities cover precision strike, ISR targeting, electronic warfare and both offensive and defensive counter air missions. It can operate alone or in teaming missions with crewed aircraft such as the F-35.

Range and endurance were designed to cover Indo-Pacific, European and Central Command theatres. Survivability draws on decades of stealth advancement, while affordability comes from advanced manufacturing and digital engineering techniques. Built around open systems to avoid vendor lock, development is already under way with parts ordered and teams executing.

“Vectis is the culmination of our expertise in complex systems integration, advanced fighter development and autonomy,” says OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. The company is investing to design, build and fly the aircraft within two years.