In a little over a year since the program’s announcement, two prototypes of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) have started ground testing and are expected to fly in the coming months. The achievement marks an impressive timeline for the aircraft’s development, which is designed to be an unmanned platform that will fly in tandem with, and in support of, manned platforms like the F-22, F-35 and the future B-21 and F-47. While the two prototype CCAs, being produced by Anduril and General Atomics respectively, will eventually be down-selected to one platform, they are expected to be a force multiplier for the warfighter by bringing a futuristic vision of manned-unmanned teaming to air warfare.

In this episode of "The Elara Edge," Lt Gen (Ret) David "Abu" Nahom breaks down the rapid development of the United States Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and the significance of manned-unmanned teaming in bringing about the next generation of air dominance.

As the Executive Director of Elara Nova's new Aeronautics and Mission Systems sector, Gen Nahom will oversee an expansion of Elara Nova's consulting expertise into air domain technologies such as the CCA program. Prior to his current role, Gen Nahom's 36-year Air Force career culminated with roles such as Commander, Alaskan Command; Alaskan NORAD Region; and Eleventh Air Force.

"The Elara Edge" is hosted by Scott King and produced by Regia Multimedia Services. The full story can be found on Elara Nova's Insights page here. Music was produced by Patrick Watkins of PW Audio.