Alenia Aermacchi's second prototype M-346 jet trainer accomplished its first in-flight refuelling operations on 24-25 January, receiving fuel from an Italian air force Panavia Tornado equipped with a "buddy" hose-and-drogue refuelling pod.
The M-346, carrying two 580-litre (153USgal)underwing tanks, first completed a series of dry contacts to verify manoeuvres before receiving fuel from the Tornado.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
Using a specially modified F-16 fighter known as the X-62A VISTA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the US Air Force pitted a dogfighting artificial intelligence system against human fighter pilots in recent air-to-air combat exercises.
The US Army is exploring potential use of Electra’s hybrid-electric short take-off and landing aircraft (eSTOL) aircraft for logistics in contested environments.
The Pentagon is preparing to curtail the latest upgrade package for the fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter, as lawmakers expressed frustration with an eight-month freeze in new aircraft deliveries related to certifying new control software.
