USN UCLASS FLYOFF

Seems that USN will be having a fly off :

The US Navy has announced its intention to fund four companies to design new unmanned air vehicles as part of its unmanned carrier-launched airborne surveillance and strike (UCLASS) programme.

Boeing, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman “have credible, existing, comprehensive UCLASS design solutions, and associated production capabilities and facilities” to design UAVs through the preliminary design review phase, the navy says.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-navy-plans-to-place-four-u…

Contenders:

NG :

Boeing:

Seems Boeing is yet to decide on whether their offer would be a Flying wing X-45 type craft or somethign different as shown..

General Atomic :

Sea Avenger: Similar to Avenger, with JSF EOTS or its offshoot. Seems that it would have the best range and loiter but may have inferior stealth compared to Boeing and NG offerings..

Lockheed Martin:

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/uclass.html

Do not have a good rendition of their offering but they will surely give us some sneak peak once they make an announcement to participate..

Production begins in 2-3 years time !!!