 The United States Navy began the Advanced Tactical Aircraft (ATA) program in 1983. The program was to develop and field a replacement for the A-6 Intruder by 1994. Stealth technology developed for the United States Air Force would be used heavily in the program. Concept design contracts were awarded to the industry teams of McDonnell Douglas / General Dynamics, and Northrop / Grumman / Vought in November 1984. The teams were awarded contracts for further concept development in 1986.
