"This UAV is an effort to better understand the flight dynamics of a tailless unmanned air system in support of our ongoing research and development work for the U.S. Air Force's future Long Range Strike Program as well as to field the next generation of structural composite concepts," explained Frank Cappuccio, LM executive vice president and general manager for Advanced Development Programs and Strategic Planning.

Developed in only 18 months, using internal funding, unmanned system P-175, nicknamed the Polecat - aligned with the well-known Skunk Works name - represents the key tenets for which the Skunk Works is known.

"It was specifically designed to verify three things: new, cost effective rapid prototyping and manufacturing techniques of composite materials; projected aerodynamic performance required for sustained high altitude operations; and flight autonomy attributes," Cappuccio said. "In addition, the company investment and the resulting successful flights are proof positive of our commitment to developing the next inflection point in unmanned systems."

Cappuccio said the company is also exploring technologies to enable low boom, supersonic flight over land and global reach.

"It's easy to identify a need," he said. "The hard part is evolving the technology to make filling that need possible. The Skunk Works is all about advancing the art of the possible. It may sound nebulous to some, but we thrive on ideas and innovation."

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