From Navy Times:
However, Boeing isn't going quiet into the night, there are rumors that they will protest the decision, as the decision likely means loss of major human capital at Boeing in St. Louis. If you have Boeing stock, watch your shares freefall today.
I cover more details on my blog, including more analysis.
This is the next big step in developing the future combat capability of the US Navy Carrier force. A low-observable and air-refuelable carrier-capable unmanned combat air system (UCAS) is critical to taking that step through greater range, greater persistence, and improved stealth. While I don't believe the UCAS system will replace manned fighter interceptor roles or close combat support roles for decades, these systems are excellent options for long range carrier strike on fixed targets in the mid term, and the UCAS-N is an excellent augmentation to existing and future strike aircraft.Northrop Grumman has beaten a Boeing team as the Navy’s choice to develop the Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration — intended to prove the technology to provide the fleet’s aircraft carriers with a long-range pilotless jet strike aircraft.
The award of a $636 million cost-plus-incentive-fee development contract was announced by the Navy late Aug. 1.
The competition to develop the aircraft — also known as UCAS-N, for UCAS-Navy — was between Boeing’s X-45N and Northrop Grumman’s X-47B test aircraft. Northrop now will be the prime contractor to build and fly the new aircraft.
However, Boeing isn't going quiet into the night, there are rumors that they will protest the decision, as the decision likely means loss of major human capital at Boeing in St. Louis. If you have Boeing stock, watch your shares freefall today.
I cover more details on my blog, including more analysis.
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