Skunk Works is pursuing an aggressive design, build and flight schedule for Vectis, with first flight targeted for 2027. “By leveraging a mature, rugged turbofan, we can accelerate our timeline and demonstrate a game changing capability quickly,” said Peter McArdle, Integrated Systems programme director at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.
“Our vision for Vectis is bold, and we’re excited to bring it to life with speed and affordability,” McArdle added. The FJ44-4 delivers more than 3,600 pounds of thrust from a compact twin-spool architecture, enabling the speed, range and endurance required for next-generation missions.
Vectis is a clean-sheet, internally funded solution designed to address a diverse and demanding operational threat environment. Lockheed Martin said the programme builds on decades of collaboration between Skunk Works and Williams International to deliver survivability, lethality and flexibility at aggressive speed and cost targets.
Source: Lockheed Martin.
