All articles by Craig Hoyle – Page 52
-
NewsUnmanned Valkyrie releases Altius-600 drone in sixth test flight
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions’ XQ-58A Valkyrie performed its sixth flight late last month, culminating with the “loyal wingman” releasing an air-launched effect vehicle from its internal weapons bay for the first time.
-
NewsIsrael welcomes G550 Oron for multi-surveillance conversion
Gulfstream has delivered the Israeli air force’s new G550-based “Oron” surveillance platform, which is due to enter operational use in 2023 following the installation of its mission equipment. The modified long-range business jet arrived in Israel on 4 April, following a ferry flight from Gulfstream’s production site in Georgia. ...
-
NewsAirbus A330 MRTT cleared to pursue Canadian tanker deal
Canada has notified Airbus Defence & Space that its A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) has been qualified to bid in a process to replace its air force fleet of A310s. A rival offer of the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus was rejected by Ottawa.
-
NewsMBDA boss keeps coy about hypersonic aspirations
While Europe is lagging behind China, Russia and the USA in the development and fielding of hypersonic missiles, MBDA chief executive Eric Beranger hints that the company is working on all the supporting technologies required to develop such a system.
-
NewsTranche 1 Typhoon retirement will have no impact, says RAF chief
Retirement of the UK’s Tranche 1 Eurofighter Typhoons will not result in operational problems for the Royal Air Force, says chief of the air staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston.
-
NewsMBDA ready to advance Anglo-French Storm Shadow successor
MBDA expects to later this year advance to its next phase an Anglo-French project to develop a replacement for its Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missile, says chief executive Eric Beranger.
-
NewsUK details Eurofighter pitch for Finland, with ‘no financial surprises’
The UK-led Typhoon proposal being prepared for Finland’s HX contest pledges to add the nation to the Eurofighter industry consortium, while offering in-country final assembly, engine production and sovereign control over mission data.
-
NewsNATO assets to cover UK’s AEW gap until 2023
The UK will use its position within the multinational NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Force to cover for the retirement of its remaining Boeing E-3D Sentry aircraft later this year, with their replacements not due to arrive until 2023. Three of the 707-based surveillance aircraft remain in Royal ...
-
In depthLeonardo promotes AW149 credentials as UK Puma replacement
Leonardo Helicopters’ UK boss has outlined why he believes the AW149 is the natural replacement for the Royal Air Force’s Airbus Helicopters Puma HC2 transports.
-
NewsSaab flies 3D-printed battlefield repair part on Gripen fighter
Saab has successfully test-flown a 3D-printed replacement fuselage part on a Gripen D.
-
NewsLockheed sees no change to UK F-35 commitment, despite ambiguous review
Lockheed Martin remains confident of supplying the UK with many more F-35B combat aircraft than the 48 examples ordered to date, after a lack of detail in the Ministry of Defence’s latest spending plan raised doubts about the nation’s total requirement for the stealth fighter.
-
NewsMarshall expects strong demand for surplus UK Hercules
Set to be retired from Royal Air Force use in 2023, the service’s Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 tactical transports will represent an attractive proposition for secondhand buyers, according to support provider Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group.
-
NewsTyphoon, C-130J and Puma retirements, FCAS investment headline UK defence review
The UK will retire its Tranche 1 Eurofighter Typhoons, Lockheed Martin C-130J tactical transports and Airbus Helicopters Puma HC2 rotorcraft by the middle of this decade, as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) targets a range of capability updates. Detailed within a Command Paper publication released on 22 March titled Defence ...
-
NewsAustrian air force welcomes its first upgraded Black Hawk
Austria’s first Sikorsky S-70A Black Hawk utility helicopter to have undergone an extensive avionics upgrade has been returned to its air force.
-
NewsUK demonstrates future airborne communications node on Voyager
The UK Royal Air Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office has tested an airborne communications node update applied to an Airbus Defence & Space A330 Voyager multi-role tanker transport.
-
NewsCobham lands T-45 Goshawk oxygen system upgrade deal
Cobham Mission Systems has been awarded a contract to upgrade part of the Boeing T-45 Goshawk jet trainer’s onboard oxygen generation system equipment for the US Navy (USN).
-
NewsUK FCAS programme poised to enter concept and assessment phase
The UK’s future combat air system (FCAS) activity is on track to enter its concept and assessment phase later this year.
-
In depthUK’s modular trainer ready to soar, says Aeralis boss
Buoyed by a recent high-profile investment from the UK Royal Air Force (RAF), and with additional backing now being sought via its latest funding drive, modular training aircraft developer Aeralis is aiming to take its concept to pre-production flying status before the middle of the decade. In mid-February, the company ...
-
NewsUS Air Force B-1B bombers impress during Norwegian deployment
The US Air Force (USAF) says its first deployment of strategic bombers to a Norwegian air base is intended to boost allied training and readiness in the region, but the visit also underscores Washington’s commitment to protecting the Arctic “far north” from the threat of Russian interference.
-
NewsRAF’s Sentinel R1 fleet ends operational duties with final flight
The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has flown its last operational sortie with a Raytheon Sentinel R1 ground surveillance aircraft, with the modified business jet fleet leaving use after only 14 years of service.