Rafael has unveiled its SkyLite B tactical mini-unmanned air vehicle, for use by front-line army units. The existing SkyLite A is canister-launched, but the SkyLite B is man-portable. Both mini-UAVs have a stabilised electro-optical payload. The SkyLite B has an endurance of 1.5h, is launched by catapult and lands using a parachute and air bag. The UAVs will be marketed in the USA by Advanced Ceramics Research and Cubic Advanced Tactical Systems.
Source: Flight International
Two manufacturers have been selected by the US Air Force to advance in the competition to develop an autonomous fighter aircraft.
The manufacturer of uncrewed aerial vehicles is partnering with armaments producer Dillon Aero to adapt the DAP-6 gun pod for use on several General Atomics platforms.
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.
