BAE Systems has unveiled Brontanax, the United Kingdom’s first prototype collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), an uncrewed combat aircraft designed to fly alongside crewed fighters such as the Eurofighter Typhoon.
The aircraft was developed at the company’s Warton facility in northwest England as part of the UK’s Storm Fighter program. Ground testing is scheduled to begin before a first flight planned for next year.
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Brontanax is intended to perform electronic warfare and precision strike missions against air and ground targets while operating under the control of a Typhoon pilot or a mission commander. BAE Systems said the aircraft could enter service before the end of the decade.
The prototype has a tailless configuration with a blended fuselage and swept wings, giving it an appearance similar to concepts being developed under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the sixth-generation fighter project led by the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan. Unlike the larger GCAP fighter, however, Brontanax is an uncrewed “loyal wingman” designed to accompany manned aircraft.
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According to BAE Systems, Brontanax is roughly the size of a Hawk advanced jet trainer and features an open-architecture, modular design intended to simplify future upgrades.
The unveiling follows the British government’s announcement of a £300 million investment in the Storm Fighter program, which aims to develop an autonomous collaborative combat aircraft for the Royal Air Force. The aircraft has been funded by BAE Systems’ internal research and development budget, while government funding will support the next phase of the program.
Collaborative combat aircraft have become a priority for several air forces as they seek lower-cost aircraft capable of carrying sensors, electronic warfare equipment or weapons while operating alongside advanced fighters. Similar programs are underway in the United States, Australia and Europe.
