General Atomics introduces new drone catapult system for naval applications

Renderings have shown this technology on a UK Royal Navy Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier alongside F-35B Lightning IIs. The Gambit family drones were depicted on deck, indicating potential deployment by both the UK Royal Navy and possibly other services such as the United States Air Force.

The USAF is considering Gambit drones from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems as part of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs for GA-ASI, remarked: “The CCA program redefines the future of aviation and will shape the USAF acquisition model to deliver affordable combat mass to the warfighter at the speed of relevancy.”

Dave Alexander, President of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., highlighted affordability concerns in CCA development during comments at the 2024 Air, Space & Cyber Conference: “Obviously you don’t want them to be silver bullets where they cost so much that you can’t afford to lose them.” He emphasized balancing survivability with cost-effectiveness.

General Atomics aims to provide affordable airpower solutions from sea-based platforms through scalable electromagnetic catapult systems and low-observable surveillance drones within the Gambit family.