Penetrating Counter-Air

Description: The United States Air Force (USAF) Penetrating Counter-Air (PCA) program aimed at developing a high-end unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) to support manned fifth generation fighter aircrafts beginning in the 2030s. The manned aircraft will take control over a swarm of unmanned jets (up to six) carrying out a variety of missions. The drones may be equipped with a variety of weapons and sensors including high energy lasers. The PCA drone will be a tailless, high-speed, single-engine, low observable aircraft with internal weapons bay for a variety of air-to-air and air-to-surface bombs and missiles. Besides, these drones would be able to carry out high risk or suicide missions testing the enemy's air defenses and other capabilities. The Penetrating Counter-Air will be deployed along upgraded F-22 Raptors and F-35 stealth jets beginning in 2030.