Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Lockheed Martin has confirmed planned to build four additional prototypes of its new Vectis uncrewed air system as part of preparations to start flight testing by the end of 2027. The U.S. defense giant exhibited a full-scale model of the Group 5 collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) contender at the Air &amp; Space Forces Association conference, which opened on Monday.
According to Lockheed Martin, engineers with its Skunk Works unit took just two months to get the Vectis design from a first drawing to wind tunnel evaluations. The company reported that the first digital build was achieved in six months and the first part was ready in eight months.
It is now 12 months since Lockheed Martin announced plans for the Vectis, pitching the large drone, with a 38-foot wingspan, as a part of a CCA offering alongside its F-35 piloted fighter. Assembly of the first prototype is now underway for a design that has no tail, a recessed air intake in the upper fuselage and an internal weapons bay.
The Vectis’ single engine is expected to be the Williams International FJ44-4 turbofan. Lockheed Martin is pitching the drone for the U.S. Air Force’s anticipated Agile Combat Employment requirements, rather than the Massed Modular Aircraft drone contest being contested by <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2026-09-12/ga-asi-aims-wildfire-reaper-replacement">General Atomics </a>and start-ups including <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2026-09-14/swarms-gamera-pitched-new-us-drone-requirements">Swarm Aero</a>.&nbsp;

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Lockheed Martin Expands Production of Vectis Drone Prototypes

The U.S. defense group displayed a UAS model at the Air & Space Forces Association conference

Lockheed Martin will now build four additional prototypes of its Vectis Collaborative Combat Aircraft uncrewed air system that it aims to start flying in 2027.

Lockheed Martin Will Build Four Vectis Drone Prototypes

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

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