All Department of Defense articles – Page 8
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NewsUSAF launches AI-powered airlift planning competition
The Air Force Research Laboratory digital event invites researchers from around the world to improve the planning of airlift operations using artificial intelligence-driven algorithms.
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NewsAurora advances to second phase of DARPA ‘active flow’ flight-control experiment
The Boeing subsidiary is designing an aircraft for the US military that can fly without traditional mechanical control surfaces, as part of an attempt to increase aerodynamic performance.
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NewsUSA transfers third Lockheed C-130 to Niger
The donation is the third of the Lockheed Martin cargo transports Washington has provided the Niger air force as part of counter terrorism efforts in West Africa.
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NewsNewly reported UFOs display ‘unusual flight performance capabilities’: US intelligence
After analysing some 366 newly identified instances of unidentified aerial phenomena, US intelligence officials have determined roughly half to be normal aerospace clutter, while an unspecified number suggested unusual flight performance capabilities.
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NewsLockheed finalises contract for another 398 F-35s, misses 2022 delivery target
The $30 billion deal with the US government covers aircraft for the USA, Belgium, Finland and Poland, and comes as Lockheed missed its 2022 F-35 delivery target due to an ongoing pause in flight operations.
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NewsCongress passes spending bill, funding military and averting shutdown
The House of Representatives approved a spending package that includes $858 billion to fund the US military, averting a shutdown that would have affected numerous defence procurement programmes and regular operations.
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NewsCongress proposes military spending plan with $7bn for aircraft procurement
A spending plan to fund the US government through September 2023 would provide roughly $7 billion for the acquisition of new defence aircraft and $45 billion to support the Ukrainian military.
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NewsPentagon taking unidentified aerial phenomena ‘seriously’
Government officials say a newly created office to investigate sightings of unknown aerial vehicles near US military aircraft has already received hundreds of reports, some of which they think pose a potential national security risk.
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NewsAurora wins DARPA contract to develop ‘active flow control’ X-plane
The X-plane effort aims to produce an aircraft that uses so-called active flow control, rather than traditional aerodynamic control surfaces such as rudders and flaps, to improve flight performance.
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NewsFewer A-10s but protections for F-22s, EA-18Gs and F-15s in US defence policy bill
If approved, the behemoth bill to fund the US military through 2023 would allow some reductions to the A-10 fleet, but prohibit retirements of many other types, including fighters, tankers and transports.
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NewsUS military to explore use of sustainable aviation fuel
A directive from Congress included in the 2023 defence spending bill would require the Pentagon to establish at least one refinery and production of a 10% SAF fuel blend by 2028.
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NewsWashington approves Finland purchase of Raytheon air-to-air, air-to-ground missiles
The government in Helsinki received approval for an official Foreign Military Sales request to purchase 40 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles and 48 AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapons from Raytheon.
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NewsGeneral Atomics selected to design DARPA’s ‘Liberty Lifter’ seaplane
The manufacturer of unmanned air vehicles will receive nearly $8 million from the Pentagon’s research and development agency to design a heavy-lift seaplane that can operate without traditional aviation infrastructure.
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In depthDrone swarms, solar-powered UAVs and congested air space management: the US Army’s experiment in the desert
An annual series of experiments with new military technology, known as Project Convergence, seek to push the bounds of what a multi-national, Western fighting force can do on the battlefield.
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NewsPilotless Black Hawk flies medevac, resupply missions in DARPA experiment
The Pentagon’s secretive weapons development office, working with helicopter maker Sikorsky, successfully modified a UH-60 Black Hawk to fly without pilot input.
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NewsLockheed Martin predicts F-35 production slowdown in 2023
Executives expect Lockheed will produce fewer of the advanced multi-role fighter next year, citing uncertainty over US orders and competing budget priorities.
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NewsCongress signals support for continued advanced-propulsion research funding
US lawmakers sent a letter to the Pentagon urging defence leaders to continue funding research into adaptive-propulsion jet engines, which are expected to power future military aircraft.
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InterviewHypersonic threats: Why Canada is doubling down on enhanced Arctic defence
Canada disclosed in June plans to spend nearly C$40 billion ($29.4 billion) over 20 years to enhance defence of its sprawling Arctic region, citing threats including those from “autocratic regimes”.
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NewsUS Air Force grounds select C-130 transports over propeller cracks
The discovery of cracks in the propeller barrel assemblies on multiple C-130H models led Air Mobility Command to issue a no-fly order for roughly 100 aircraft.
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In depthTwo decades of under-investment has left the US Air Force hollowed-out: Mitchell Institute
The airpower think tank says the USA’s fleet of combat aircraft is currently smaller, older and less ready than it has been in decades.