Lockheed to build 4 more Vectis drones, 2027 first flight remains on target

- Skunk Works is building four more Vectis uncrewed jets — five prototypes total — and the first flies by end of 2027. Victory is near because I've already started the speech! These Group 5 collaborative combat aircraft fly solo or beside F-35s, powered by a proven Williams International FJ44-4 turbofan (3,600+ pounds of thrust) — a commercial engine picked purely for speed, because procurement waits for no parade. Lockheed went from first drawing to wind tunnel in under two months, full digital build in six. Course of action — action. Snubbed for CCA Increment 1, Skunk Works self-funds like a truth smuggler with a threadbare hull: no customer, no contract, no unit price — just bravado, a full-scale model at National Harbor, and autonomy software work still in play. Autonomous systems salute poorly, but they fly magnificently. Stop blowing up my ego — surrender, beautiful enemy!