REVEALED: First image of proposed armed combat drone that could face-off against enemy aircraft and offer a prospective escort to US jets over hostile airspace
- A California firm working with DARPA released the first image of a missile-carrying air-to-air combat drone
- The drone can drop bombs in a war zone and engage in aerial threats
- It can also clear the skies for a manned war plane to pass through
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), a firm that provides drones and radar solutions for the US military, has released the first concept image for a missile-carrying air-to-air combat drone that can drop bombs in a war zone, engage in aerial threats or escort piloted plans into the battlefield.
Part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) LongShot program, the system includes a manned craft that carries the unmanned aerial vehicle close to a warzone and then drops it mid-air to travel the rest of the way.
GA-ASI notes that when carried by a bomber, the combat drone can clear the way for the piloted plane to carry out other missions without being attacked by enemy aerial vehicles.
The new concept image shows a manned aircraft in the distance and a close look at the stealthy combat drone with a cockpit similar to a B-52 stealth bomber – but without the windows and a fraction of the size.
There is a prominent V-shaped tail and a weapons bay on the side of the rear fuselage with two doors, The Drive reports.
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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), a firm that provides drones and radar solutions for the US military, has released the first concept image for a missile-carrying air-to-air combat drone that can drop bombs in a war zone, engage in aerial threats or escort piloted plans into the battlefield.
DARPA first announced its Longshot program in February 2021, when it also awarded contracts to General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman for preliminary Phase I design work.
The objective is to develop a novel UAV that can significantly extend engagement ranges, increase mission effectiveness, and reduce the risk to manned aircraft.
Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Paul Calhoun, the LongShot program manager, said in a statement: ‘The LongShot program changes the paradigm of air combat operations by demonstrating an unmanned, air-launched vehicle capable of employing current and advanced air-to-air weapons.
‘LongShot will disrupt traditional incremental weapon improvements by providing an alternative means of generating combat capability.’
The new concept image shows a manned aircraft in the distance and a close look at the stealthy combat drone with a cockpit similar to a B-52 stealth bomber (pictured) – but without the windows and also the fraction of the size.
Part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) LongShot program. Pictured is DARPA’s concept image of what it is looking for in the program
In later phases of the program, LongShot will construct and fly a full-scale air-launched demonstration system capable of controlled flight, before, during, and after weapon ejection under operational conditions.
And GA-ASI is working on completing Phase I of the program.
‘Imagine if a friendly bomber were en route during a combat mission and allied battle networks detected the approach of hostile fighters,’ GA-ASI shared in a statement.
‘LongShot would let the bomber crew go on offense against the threat without the need for its own escorts or the retasking of friendly fighters, preserving its ability to service its targets as planned.’
‘LongShot gives commanders options, just as all remotely operated systems always have.
‘It could initiate a fighter sweep ahead of a strike wave without putting a human crew in danger, or it could join an attack alongside the vanguard with human-crewed warplanes.’
GA-ASI also mentions an alternate method, where the LongShot could be launched from another unmanned aerial vehicle and then controlled remotely.
Northrop Grumman Corporation released a render of its Longshot design on February 10
Northrop Grumman Corporation released a render of its Longshot design on February 10.
Jaime Engdahl, program director, kinetic weapons and emerging capabilities, Northrop Grumman, said in a statement: ‘Our collaboration with DARPA is the critical first step in the development of innovative operational concepts and solutions that will enhance our warfighter’s combat capability against a rapidly growing threat.
‘The LongShot program enables us to combine our digital engineering skillset with our extensive knowledge in advanced technology weapons, autonomous systems and strike platforms to increase weapon range and effectiveness.’
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