Fixed-wing
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NewsF-35 deliveries set for third-quarter resumption in interim ‘combat training’ standard, Lockheed says
Lockheed Martin is confident that it will be able to resume deliveries of its F-35 stealth fighter in the third quarter of this year, with the US Department of Defense to begin by taking updated aircraft in an interim “combat training-capable” standard.
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NewsNASA prepares to retire DC-8 airborne laboratory
Described by the American space agency as the “largest flying science laboratory in the world”, the modified DC-8 airliner was in service with NASA for 37 years, supporting a wide range of scientific missions with a configurable sensor package.
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NewsTextron Aviation Defense and Leonardo tout M-346 as ‘low-drama’ solution for US Navy UJTS bid
Textron Aviation Defense and partner Leonardo believe their offer of the latter’s M-346 Master and integrated training system will offer the US Navy a proven, low-risk solution as the service gears up to replace its aged fleet of Boeing T-45 Goshawk jet trainers.
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NewsUSAF launches show of force with 12 B-2 sortie
The flight, which incorporated nearly two-thirds of the stealth bomber fleet, was part of annual drills meant to test the US Air Force’s ability to generate sorties with Washington’s only nuclear-capable bomber capable of penetrating modern air defences.
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NewsUS Navy considering adding Sierra Nevada to Blue Water Maritime Logistics UAS
The US Navy (USN) has been in discussions with Sierra Nevada about adding the company to the service’s Blue Water Maritime Logistics Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) programme.
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NewsArgentina seeks Basler BT-67s for Antarctic resupply duties
Argentina could be set to acquire Basler BT-67 transport aircraft via a potential $143 million Foreign Military Sales deal with the US government.
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NewsDARPA tests dogfighting AI against human fighter pilot
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.
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NewsUS Army entertains short take-off and landing capabilities of Electra’s aircraft
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.
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In depthFrustrations build in Washington over continued halt on F-35 deliveries
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.
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In depthArgentina signs deal to buy used F-16s from Denmark
The long-discussed deal was made official on 16 April, when Argentine defence minister Luis Petri signed an agreement with Copenhagen to acquire 24 of the fourth-generation F-16s, as Denmark transitions its fleet to the Lockheed Martin F-35A.
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NewsOmega completes contracted air refuelling with B-52 for first time
Contractor Omega Air Refueling Services for the first time topped off a US Air Force B-52 bomber and an MC-130J special-operations transport.
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NewsKazakhstan’s lead A400M emerges with ‘glossy grey’ livery
Kazakhstan’s first A400M tactical transport has emerged from the paint shop at Airbus Defence & Space’s San Pablo final assembly site in Seville, Spain.
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NewsAustralia signs $139m deal to enhance P-8A Poseidon fleet’s capabilities
Boeing is to upgrade the Royal Australian Air Force’s 12-strong fleet of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, under a contract worth $139 million.
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Analysis‘True sense of fear’: US military expands pilot training at virtual test range created for F-35
The US military has significantly expanded its use of the US Navy’s Joint Simulation Environment, using technology initially developed to evaluate F-35 systems and sensors to create robust and realistic training environments for pilots flying F-35s, F-22s, F/A-18s, EA-18Gs and E-2Ds.
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NewsEmbraer explores civil air cargo opportunities for C-390 tactical transport
The Brazilian airframer is teaming with the nation’s state-operated postal company to explore opportunities in the air-cargo realm for Embraer aircraft, including the C-390 military transport and E-Jet passenger jets.
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NewsUS Navy releases photos of first Swiss F-5E fighter destined for aggressor duty
The US Navy is in the process of acquiring 22 decommissioned Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighters from Switzerland, with plans to use the legacy aircraft for adversary air training.
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NewsAirbus Helicopters in final stages of Aerovel acquisition
Airbus Helicopters is close to completing its acquisition of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) developer Aerovel.
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NewsUS Air Force reveals photos of restored B-1B bomber
After recalling a decommissioned Boeing B-1B bomber to service, US Air Force technicians restored the supersonic aircraft to flying condition at the Davis-Monthan AFB “boneyard” before a transfer to Tinker AFB in Oklahoma for a full overhaul and modernisation.
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NewsEmbraer touts potential for C-390 martime patrol variant in ISR pact with Brazil
Embraer could launch a maritime patrol variant of its C-390 Millennium under a new pact with the Brazilian air force to study potential surveillance roles for the jet-powered transport.
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NewsUK advances RAF P-8 drone inspection trials
The UK is continuing to trial the use of autonomous drones to inspect the Royal Air Force’s fleet of Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft for external damage.