Dan Parsons
NewsNew report shows slow, steady unit cost drop for F-35
The overall cost of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II programme will come in at about $7.5 billion less than previously expected, according to the 2015 selected acquisition report.
NewsKC-46 tanker likely will miss planned April first flight
The Boeing KC-46A configured as an aerial refueling tanker will likely miss its planned April first flight because of issues with integration of military-specific components and systems, service officials have said.
NewsIndustry asks US Army, one shaft or two for new helicopter engine
Competition for the US Army’s improved turbine engine programme (ITEP) is shaping up to be a head-to-head match-up between single-spool and double-spool turboshaft powerplant designs.
NewsUS Army's improved helicopter engine enters design phase
The US Army’s quest for a more powerful and fuel efficient drop-in replacement for the General Electric T700 that powers most of its helicopters is moving from the experimental technology realm to preliminary design review (PDR).
NewsUnmanned MQ-9 Reaper achieves one million flight hours
The existing operational fleet of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Predator B unmanned air vehicles (UAV), also called the MQ-9 Reaper, in March reached a cumulative one million flight hours, the majority of which were in combat.
NewsFirst Italian-assembled F-35 rolls off the line
The first Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II built outside the USA rolled off the final assembly and check out line at Cameri air base in Italy on 12 March.
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US Army chief details aviation restructure savings
The US army's plan to eliminate 700 aircraft from its active aviation units, among other changes, will save more than $12 billion in the long run, chief of staff Gen Raymond Odierno told a Senate budgeting panel on 11 March.
NewsUSAF wants small, fully integrated JSTARS replacement
The US air force will consider both US and international airframers to replace the Northrop Grumman E-8C JSTARS fleet, according to documents released on 5 March. The service also has confirmed its preference for a smaller aircraft than the Boeing 707-based E-8C.
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One-week study re-affirms A-10 retirement decision: USAF
After a week of concentrated study of its close air support (CAS) role, the US Air Force essentially has decided to stick with plans to gradually retire the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II and hand the CAS mission to the Lockheed Martin F-35.
NewsService agreement key to Bristow's increased H175 order
Offshore operator Bristow Group has more than trebled its commitment to the Airbus Helicopters H175, becoming the largest customer for the new super-medium rotorcraft with a total order of 17 units.
NewsSikorsky considers shuttering, selling light helicopter lines
Sikorsky has canceled production of the S434 light single helicopter and divesting two other light helicopter production lines is under consideration, company officials say.
NewsAgustaWestland responds to H160 with heavier AW139
AgustaWestland has launched a beefed-up version of its AW139 twin-engined helicopter, upping the maximum take-off weight to 7t from the present optional upper limit of 6.8t.
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Sikorsky explores coaxial applications beyond Raider
Sikorsky’s S-97 Raider has not yet flown, but the company is considering extending the aircraft’s coaxial rotor design to other platforms.
NewsBell Helicopter sees success in 2015 for clean-sheet commercial rotorcraft
Bell Helicopter is betting on two clean-sheet commercial rotorcraft to boost its presence in the civilian helicopter market, and, while neither has entered production, the company has hundreds of customers lined up for the light-single and super-medium offerings.
NewsBAE given green light to export missile countermeasures system
The US Department of Defense has approved the BAE Systems ALQ-212 advanced threat infrared countermeasures (ATIRCM) system for export.
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USN officials upbeat about new uses for Tomahawk missile
US Navy officials say new uses for existing munitions, as demonstrated with two recent novel deployments of the Raytheon BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile, should be sought as cost effective alternatives to expensive and time consuming development programmes.
NewsPICTURES: Second Bell 505 takes flight
Bell Helicopter has performed the maiden sortie of its second 505 Jet Ranger X flight-test vehicle from its Mirabel, Canada facility.
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Saab picks Brazil's AEL for Gripen avionics displays
Saab has tapped Brazil-based AEL System to provide wide-area and heads-up displays for Gripen NG fighters that are being purchased by the Brazilian military.
NewsWing kit gives JDAM triple the range, Australian air force shows
The Royal Australian Air Force has demonstrated a wing kit for the Boeing joint direct attack munition (JDAM) that tripled the effective range of the weapon when launched from a n F/A-18 Hornet.
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Lockheed prepares to usher F-16 through 12,000h service life
The US Air Force has all but scrapped a plan to install advanced radars on its Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters, but the company is pressing forward with plans to outfit other nations’ with the capability in hopes the US will eventually purchase the capability.