In a groundbreaking leap forward for military technology, defense experts are forging ahead with an audacious experimental project: a weaponized X-plane capable of vertical takeoff, hovering, and vertical landing. This long-endurance aerial marvel, devoid of the need for conventional runways, human pilots, or support teams, is slated for testing as early as 2026.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has been diligently pursuing the optimal design for this revolutionary X-plane since 2013. As a pivotal research and development arm of the United States Department of Defense, DARPA's mission with the X-plane project is to birth a nimble, uncrewed aircraft capable of launching from ships and carrying substantial payloads into battle.
These experimental aircraft, dubbed X-planes, serve a multitude of research objectives, from technology and concept demonstrations to unmanned test missions. With Nasa also overseeing the development of various remotely-piloted X-planes, these ventures often operate under a veil of secrecy, emerging as critical tools in advancing aerospace capabilities.
Drawing inspiration from historical milestones like the legendary X-15 hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft, which soared beyond Mach 6 and reached altitudes surpassing 250,000 feet, DARPA's latest endeavor promises to push the boundaries of aerial prowess. Leveraging cutting-edge advancements in sensors, electronic warfare, and artificial intelligence, the X-plane represents a quantum leap in military capability.
Recently, DARPA unveiled its ambitious program, codenamed ANCILLARY, inviting proposals from a select group of defense and aerospace contractors. AeroVironment, Griffon Aerospace, Karem Aircraft, Method Aeronautics, Northrop Grumman, and Sikorsky have all thrown their hats into the ring, presenting innovative designs aimed at enhancing naval and military operations.
ANCILLARY seeks to elevate the capabilities of small vertical take-off and landing uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) by a staggering factor of three. Spearheaded by DARPA program manager Steve Komadina, the project is poised to redefine the future of aerial warfare, ushering in an era where agility, autonomy, and versatility reign supreme.
Amidst a flurry of technological innovation, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is on the hunt for pioneering solutions to amplify the payload capacity, range, and endurance of small, ship-launched X-planes operated remotely. All six contracted firms are currently honing their designs for these drones, meticulously fine-tuning every aspect to mitigate system risks and conducting rigorous hover testing of components and configurations.
As this 10-month phase draws to a close, teams will present competitive proposals for phase II, delving into detailed design, fabrication, and flight testing," revealed DARPA. The crescendo of the project is anticipated to crescendo with X-plane flight tests commencing in early 2026.
A network of these diminutive uncrewed aerial systems can be deployed from a ship to execute beyond-line-of-sight F2T2 (find, fix, track, target) operations on surface vessels of interest for the ship commander," elucidated Steve Komadina, the driving force behind the initiative.
Is the horizon about to be graced with the silhouette of a new uncrewed aircraft? DARPA initiated its Vertical Take-Off and Landing Experimental Aircraft (VTOL X-plane) program back in 2013, with the lofty ambition of showcasing a VTOL aircraft design capable of vertical ascent and sustained hovering while surpassing the speeds of conventional rotorcraft, such as helicopters.
This hybrid marvel is engineered to excel in four critical domains: speed, hovering efficiency, cruise efficiency, and payload capacity. The benchmarks are ambitious—a top speed exceeding 300 knots, hover efficiency upwards of 75%, a lift-to-drag ratio exceeding 10, and the ability to bear a useful load comprising at least 40% of the projected gross weight.
In 2014, DARPA handpicked Sikorsky, Aurora Flight Sciences, Boeing, and Karem Aircraft to vie for the honor of crafting the VTOL X-plane. Fast forward to 2016, Aurora Flight Sciences clinched an $89.4 million contract to actualize its LightningStrike concept, trumping its competitors. This innovative design boasts a tilting-wing configuration powered by a Rolls-Royce AE1107C turboshaft engine, akin to those propelling the V-22 Osprey.
The third phase of this audacious endeavor, slated from February 2017 to February 2018, was earmarked for comprehensive ground and flight trials. However, before the curtain could rise on flight testing, DARPA abruptly shelved the project.
Now, in a fresh development, DARPA has unveiled six cutting-edge design concepts for a lithe, high-payload, enduring VTOL uncrewed X-plane. AeroVironment, Griffon Aerospace, Karem Aircraft, Method Aeronautics, Northrop Grumman, and Sikorsky have been entrusted with nurturing these concepts to fruition, heralding a new era of aerial dominance on the horizon.
In the current phase of development, the spotlight shines on mitigating risks and delving deeper into exhaustive analyses. The grand denouement of the project is slated to unfurl with the commencement of X-plane flight trials in early 2026, marking a pivotal moment in aerospace innovation.
Drawing from insights garnered from sources such as Wikipedia and DARPA, it becomes apparent that the U.S. military is actively exploring inventive avenues to amplify the payload capacity and extend the range and endurance of diminutive, ship-launched unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This quest entails refining propulsion systems, enhancing controls, and streamlining operations to eliminate the reliance on specialized infrastructure.
We anticipate that the operational prowess facilitated by ANCILLARY will be further enhanced by synergistic technologies evolving within the various research and engineering arms of the Department of Defense, particularly advancements in sensors, electronic warfare, and the realm of autonomy and artificial intelligence," remarked Komadina, offering a glimpse into the future of military capabilities.
The impending testing phase will scrutinize the feasibility of deploying and retrieving drones from Navy vessels sans the bulky mechanical launchers and landing apparatus currently in use. "These compact UAS must possess the capability to execute vertical takeoffs and landings akin to helicopters from shipborne flight decks and remote terrestrial locales, navigating diverse weather conditions, all while fulfilling mission objectives akin to a highly efficient winged aircraft, even when tasked with bearing substantial payloads," elucidated the agency.
Christopher Harris, program manager at Northrop Grumman for ANCILLARY, underscored the company's extensive expertise accrued over myriad flight hours in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, solidifying its stature as a preeminent global aerospace and defense technology entity.
Meanwhile, AeroVironment touted its design, dubbed Wildcat, tailored to thrive under the rigors of diverse naval environments. "Wildcat aligns seamlessly with DARPA's benchmarks, boasting a mission radius of 450 nautical miles and over 12 hours of operational endurance while carrying a payload of 60 pounds," affirmed the firm, highlighting its prowess in exceeding program specifications for sea state recovery and cruise speeds, rendering it adept at traversing turbulent waters and whipping winds.
Sikorsky, on the other hand, unveiled a battery-powered design characterized by its unique stance, resting on its tail when grounded and ascending skyward akin to a helicopter, before seamlessly transitioning into horizontal flight like a conventional airplane—a testament to the ingenuity propelling the evolution of aerial technology.
Karem Aircraft has emerged with a bold proposal, presenting a heavy-fuel-driven craft engineered around a tilting rotor mechanism. This innovative design allows the aircraft to ascend vertically and maintain a stable hover when the rotor assumes an upright orientation. However, the true marvel unfolds as the rotor pivots forward, unleashing the aircraft's potential to soar through the skies at remarkable velocities—a testament to Karem Aircraft's commitment to pushing the boundaries of aerial technology.
In conclusion, the landscape of military aviation stands on the cusp of profound transformation, propelled by a wave of innovation and ingenuity. As pioneering companies like Karem Aircraft, AeroVironment, Northrop Grumman, and Sikorsky unveil their visionary designs, the horizon of aerial warfare expands, promising enhanced capabilities and unparalleled versatility for the U.S. military. With the ANCILLARY program spearheaded by DARPA poised to redefine the parameters of unmanned aerial systems, the stage is set for a new era of dominance in the skies. As these groundbreaking technologies take flight, they herald a future where agility, autonomy, and adaptability converge to shape the battlefield of tomorrow.
