All Defence articles – Page 6
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NewsEurope must not rely on USA for future military rotorcraft needs, Leonardo Helicopters chief argues
Leonardo Helicopters’ managing director Gian Piero Cutillo believes it would not be “convenient for Europe” to buy military tiltrotors direct from the USA rather than developing its own capability if nations decide the architecture best meets their future rotorcraft requirements.
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NewsGeneral Atomics testing remotely piloted flight with satellite network key to polar operations
The uncrewed aircraft manufacturer says it has completed two test flights of a Gray Eagle 25M controlled remotely via a low-earth-orbit satellite network – technology that could allow expanded range in polar regions.
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NewsLeonardo mulls Wildcat’s future amid dwindling backlog
Leonardo Helicopters continues to assess the future of its AW159 Wildcat programme in light of a dwindling backlog and a challenging sales environment.
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NewsSafran pushes power limits higher in pursuit of next-generation military rotorcraft needs
Safran Helicopter Engines is deep into the initial stages of multiple separate projects to expand the upper limits of its military turboshaft range, pushing power output well beyond the current 3,000shp (2,240kW) maximum.
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NewsLeonardo close to launching aerostructures joint venture as ‘global champion’
Leonardo is in advanced discussions with a partner to set up an aerostructures joint venture that its chief executive vows will become a “global champion” in the sector.
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In depthUS LC-130s pioneer take-off and landing on frozen lakes
Recent training operations in the Canadian Arctic saw the New York Air National Guard’s unique fleet of Lockheed Martin LC-130 “Skibirds” land on a frozen lake surface, the first time the ski landing gear-equipped transports have operated from freshwater ice, rather than the polar sea ice or snow they typically use.
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In depthUS Air Force wrapping up analysis of next-generation tanker requirement
The general in charge of the service’s fleet of cargo and refueller aircraft says the service has been evaluating its needs for a new tanker aircraft, including runway requirements, fuel transfer capacity and observability signature.
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NewsDassault’s Trappier pours cold water on prospects of FCAS and GCAP merger
Hopes that Europe’s two future fighter programmes could move closer together appear unlikely to be realised, with Dassault Aviation’s chief executive distancing his firm from any such proposal.
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NewsLeonardo and Baykar target development of armed UAVs for Europe
Leonardo and Baykar Technologies are to establish a joint venture focussed on the development of unmanned air vehicles integrated with the Italian company’s defence electronics payloads, with the latter’s 6t-class Akinci platform likely to be the first product offered to the market.
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In depthUncrewed fighter makers shift away from disposable concept to reusable aircraft
Rather than the ultra-cheap, single-use weapon systems at one time envisioned for the US Air Force’s new generation of uncrewed fighters, developers of the new aircraft now say the jets will be intended for reuse, but with far shorter lifespans than traditional military platforms.
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NewsDassault chief Trappier outlines roadmap for F5-standard Rafale
Dassault Aviation’s planned F5-standard Rafale fighter will have more powerful engines, improved survivability and data links, and will be accompanied by an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) weighing more than 10t, according to the French airframer’s chief executive.
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NewsNATO next-generation rotorcraft project entering ‘crucial phase’
A NATO project to develop and field a future military rotorcraft by the late 2030s is now entering a “crucial phase” as the nations driving the effort attempt to firm up the requirements for the platform.
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NewsNHI upbeat on 2025 order prospects for NH90 military helicopter
NH Industries (NHI) is eyeing the potential for several sizeable new orders this year from both new and existing operators.
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NewsPratt & Whitney doubles down on rotating detonation engine
Pratt & Whitney will accelerate its work on rotating detonation engine (RDE) technology, as its programme to develop the advanced propulsion capability yields results.
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In depthChina’s new sixth-generation aircraft likely for air superiority role: USAF
The general in charge of the US Air Force’s fighter fleet says the Pentagon believes the sixth-generation aircraft seen over China late last year are intended to provide air superiority, as Beijing continues to expand its military readiness.
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NewsF-35B makes debut flight carrying Lockheed Martin anti-ship missiles
Lockheed Martin’s F-35B has conducted a first test-flight carrying the airframer’s AGM-158B Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).
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NewsUSAF designates first uncrewed fighter prototypes YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A
The experimental designs from General Atomics and Anduril, which are set to fly this summer, are the first aircraft in the US inventory to bear the FQ designation representing an uncrewed fighter.
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NewsUSAF pauses KC-46 deliveries over structural cracks
The US Air Force, which operates 89 of the 767-derived tankers, has paused delivery of new aircraft after the discovery of structural cracks in two recently assembled jets that Boeing was preparing to turn over.
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NewsCollins advances bid to supply new F-35 power and cooling system
Although the Pentagon has not decided how to address long-term power and cooling needs of the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter, aviation systems supplier Collins Aerospace is hoping to oust current provider Honeywell Aerospace on the lucrative programme.
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NewsPentagon deploys additional aviation assets to US-Mexico border
Some 650 military aviation personnel from the US Army are being sent to the USA’s frontier with Mexico, including Sikorsky UH-60 and Boeing CH-47 helicopter crews, as part of Trump administration’s ongoing border security push.