American developers presented a revolutionary robotic autonomous fighter

General Atomics presented a full-scale mockup of a new autonomous combat aircraft, the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), designed to support the Air Force with cheaper and more expendable robotic fighters. The system, which was presented at the Air Force Association conference in Washington, is part of the US Air Force program to develop the next generation of fighters, informs New Atlas.

CCA aims to change the role of pilots: instead of controlling the plane and using weapons, pilots will be able to command a group of autonomous aircraft that will perform reconnaissance or combat missions. Robotic “wings” able to independently coordinate their actions to fulfill the mission.

The main reason for the development of CCA is not technological advances, but also economic challenges. The cost of modern fighters has increased tremendously, and it is predicted that in the future states will be able to afford to build only a limited number of aircraft. So CCA will reduce the burden on manned aircraft and increase aviation efficiency, reducing risks for human crews.