Lockheed Martin Showed Us Their New F-35 Drone Tech | WSJ Equipped

F-35 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs): Lockheed Martin's Strategy

Key Concepts:

• F-35 Fighter Jet: Advanced, multirole combat aircraft known for stealth, sensor capabilities, and lethality.
• Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs): Drones designed to work alongside piloted aircraft, enhancing mission capabilities.
• Angry Bees: Lockheed Martin's software interface for controlling CCAs from the cockpit of an F-35.
• Skunk Works: Lockheed Martin's secretive advanced projects division.
• Future Air Superiority Technology Lab (FAST Lab): Lockheed Martin facility for developing and testing future air combat technologies.

F-35 Capabilities and Features

The F-35 is described as the "most capable, the most lethal, the most connected, and the most survivable fighter aircraft." Key features include:

• Speed: Capable of flying at 1.6 times the speed of sound.
• Stealth: Coating and design minimize radar detection. Internal weapons bay further enhances stealth capabilities, especially in the opening days of a conflict.
• Versatility: Different versions can take off and land on various runways, including vertical takeoff capabilities.
• Sensors: Equipped with numerous sensors capable of detecting and geo-locating missile launches, aircraft (friendly and adversary), and surface ships. These sensors can detect any energy emanation.
• Payload: Can carry multiple payloads internally, including nuclear weapons.

The Role of CCAs in Future Warfare

The video emphasizes the increasing importance of CCAs in future military operations, particularly in potential conflicts with adversaries like China.

• Scenario: In a hypothetical scenario involving a Chinese attempt to seize Taiwan, F-35s would coordinate with CCAs launched from various locations across the Pacific.
• CCA Functions: CCAs can serve multiple roles:
  • Decoys
  • Electronic warfare deployment
  • Surveillance
  • Striking defenses and key targets
• Pilot Control: Pilots in F-35s would command the drones during missions.

Lockheed Martin's CCA Technology: Angry Bees

Lockheed Martin is developing technology to enable pilots to effectively manage CCAs.

• FAST Lab Experience: The reporter experienced a simulation in Lockheed's FAST Lab, using the "Angry Bees" software interface.
• Angry Bees Interface: This software allows a single F-35 pilot to control multiple drones. In the simulation, the reporter directed four drones to attack eight enemy aircraft.
• Autonomy: The drones possess a high degree of autonomy, making them easy to command. The interface was described as being similar to a video game.

Advantages of Airborne CCA Control

The video addresses the question of why CCAs should be controlled from the air rather than the ground.

• Pilot Awareness: Pilots at the "leading edge of the air battle" have the best situational awareness and can adapt and react in real-time.
• Speed of Response: Airborne control allows for faster decision-making and response to changing battlefield conditions.

Lockheed Martin's Position in the CCA Market

Despite its expertise, Lockheed Martin faces significant competition in the CCA market.

• Contract Losses: Lockheed lost out on the US's sixth-generation fighter jet contract to Boeing and has been beaten out by companies like Anduril and General Atomics for CCA prototype contracts.
• Navy Contract: Lockheed secured a contract for the US Navy's CCA mission control system.
• New Drone Unveiled: Lockheed recently unveiled a new survivable drone intended for use as a CCA, but it has not yet been purchased by the military.
• Continued Development: Lockheed is committed to continuing to develop CCAs, regardless of specific customer requests.

Concerns About the Future of Warfare

Lockheed Martin expresses concerns about the human element in adapting to the rapid pace of technological change in warfare.

• Urgency: The biggest concern is the lack of a sense of urgency in adapting to new technologies and strategies.
• Technological Capabilities: The technologists, technology, and warfighters are capable of achieving the future of warfare, but human adaptation is the critical factor.

Conclusion

Lockheed Martin is positioning the F-35 as a central component of future air warfare, leveraging its advanced capabilities and integrating it with collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs). While facing competition in the CCA market, Lockheed is actively developing new technologies and advocating for the importance of airborne CCA control to maintain a competitive edge. The company emphasizes the need for rapid human adaptation to fully realize the potential of these advanced systems.