Russia orders S-70 Okhotnik “Hunter” UAV deliveries accelerated to 2024
The accelerated delivery schedule was acknowledged publicly for the first time when Russian President Vladimir Putin met with UAC chief executive officer Yuri Slyusar for an update on the company’s product development plans.
Airbus Helicopters accelerates VSR700 testing as UAV flies untethered
Airbus Helicopters expects to begin accelerating testing of its VSR700 unmanned air vehicle (UAV) prototype following its first free flight, as the airframer builds towards deck landing trials later this year and sea trials in 2021.
USAF taps four companies for Skyborg attritable aircraft work
The US Air Force has announced four contenders for its Skyborg programme to create an artificial- intelligence enabled ‘loyal wingman’ aircraft.
Northrop Grumman to offer electromagnetic pulse counter-UAV weapon
Northrop Grumman has signed a distribution agreement with Epirus to sell the start-up’s electromagnetic pulse counter unmanned air vehicle weapon.
Qinetiq successfully teams H125 helicopter with ‘semi-autonomous drone’
Qinetiq has completed what it claims is the UK’s first demonstration of manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) using a standard Airbus Helicopters H125 light-single working in concert with a “semi-autonomous drone”.
Boeing continues autonomous flight work in Australian Outback
Boeing Australia has conducted a series of flight tests involving three unmanned aircraft performing missions autonomously.
UK signs £65m contract for first three Protectors
The UK Ministry of Defence has ordered its first three of a planned 16 Protector RG1 unmanned air vehicles from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
Northrop Grumman to demonstrate 30h endurance for Firebird UAV
Northrop Grumman put its optionally-piloted Firebird aircraft through 45h of total flight testing in April and is preparing for a 30h continuous, unmanned flight test by the end of this summer.
Pentagon invests $13.4m to boost drone start-ups during coronavirus slump
“Funds across five companies saved 14 jobs, created 20 new positions, and will support continued advancement of capabilities providing the companies additional paths for recurring revenue”, says the US Department of Defense.
Armed Chinese UAVs arrive for Serbian air force duty
Serbia has taken delivery of six China Aerospace Science and Technology-built Cai Hong (“Rainbow”) CH-92As, marking the first acquisition of a Chinese armed unmanned air vehicle by a European military.