General Atomics tests space laser communication system for MQ-9
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has successfully tested on the ground a space laser communication system that it intends to use to securely transfer data between its MQ-9 Reaper unmanned air vehicle and satellites.
MQ-1C uses COMINT, SAR to target ground-based emitters
A General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) has used two sensors to identify and localise emitters on the ground to produce targeting data.
BAE joins high-altitude race with maiden PHASA-35 flight
BAE Systems has performed a maiden sortie of its solar-powered PHASA-35 high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) from the Woomera Test Range in South Australia. Further flights will follow this year, says BAE.
IAI promotes Heron Mk II for Asian customers
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has launched its Heron Mk II unmanned air vehicle with a full-scale mock-up in the Singapore air show static park.
AeroVironment sees first foreign sale of Switchblade loitering munition this year
AeroVironment is displaying its Switchblade loitering munition at the Singapore air show as it aims to receive its first Foreign Military Sales order for the weapon in 2020.
UMS Skeldar eyes regional opportunities, but ship integration a challenge
UMS Skeldar is in discussions with Asia-Pacific navies to sell its V-200 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned air vehicle, but the market is still developing, and integrating such a system onto a warship remains complicated.
Rafael introduces new miniaturised EO/IR sensor
Israel’s Rafael has developed a new, lightweight electro-optical/infrared sensor for use aboard small UAVs.
Boeing completes first Airpower Teaming System UAV fuselage for RAAF
Boeing Australia has completed the major fuselage structure for the first Airpower Teaming System unmanned air vehicle ahead of a planned first flight later this year.
IAI in MOU with Indian firms on local UAV production
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed a memorandum of understanding related to UAVs with two Indian companies.
Leidos completes purchase of Gremlins-maker Dynetics
Leidos Holdings has concluded its acquisition of Dynetics for $1.65 billion, with Dynetics to act as a wholly-owned unit.