Loyal Wingman Drones: How The F-22 Becomes The Air Force’s 1st CCA Quarterback

Lockheed Martin's Loyal Wingman (LWI) drones have successfully executed their first integrated flight alongside an F-22 Raptor, marking a significant milestone in Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) development. This historic event occurred at Eglin Airflow Range in Florida on November 6th, 2018. During the test, the LWI aircraft autonomously performed air-to-air refueling from the F-22 Raptor, demonstrating a critical capability for future CCA operations. The integration represents the United States Air Force’s initial foray into utilizing drones as “quarterbacks” within complex combat scenarios. This successful demonstration validates the potential of this technology to dramatically enhance fighter effectiveness and operational flexibility.