Aircraft
U.S. Navy Aims For Carrier-Based UCAV in 2018
The U.S. Navy says that operational UCAVs could be landing on aircraft carriers in 2018. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
The U.S. Navy says that operational UCAVs could be landing on aircraft carriers in 2018. (Image: Lockheed Martin)

The U.S. Navy says that the unmanned carrier-launched airborne surveillance and strike system (UClass) could be operational as early as Fiscal Year 2018. On August 14, the Department of Defense announced the award of $15 million contracts to Boeing, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman for preliminary design reviews (PDR) of the UClass air vehicle. A draft request for proposals (RFP) will be issued next month. A final RFP will follow early next year, leading to contract award by the end of next year.