All articles by Ryan Finnerty – Page 3
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AnalysisFully autonomous Black Hawk ready for production: Lockheed Martin CEO
Sikorsky’s fully autonomous UH-60 Black Hawk variant is ready for production, according to Lockheed Martin chief executive Jim Taiclet, with prototype flights planned within a year.
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NewsNorthrop Grumman expects next B-21 production contract by year-end
Northrop Grumman expects to receive its next production contract for the B-21 Raider stealth bomber before year-end, as the company continues flight testing with two aircraft while discussing potential production acceleration with the US Air Force.
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In depthShield AI reveals X-BAT vertical take-off and landing autonomous fighter
Autonomy start-up Shield AI has expanded into jet-powered aircraft with the X-BAT, a vertical take-off and landing fighter platform offering 2,000nm range and 50,000ft operating altitude without pilot input.
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NewsUS Army inks deal with Boeing for nine CH-47F Block II Chinooks
The US Army has awarded Boeing a $461 million contract for nine CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters, following through on commitments made in September to rapidly field the upgraded heavy-lift rotorcraft.
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NewsPentagon conducts Caribbean ‘bomber attack demonstration’ with F-35Bs and B-52H
The Pentagon has deployed stealth fighters and heavy bombers in what it terms a ‘bomber attack demonstration’ as part of an ongoing military build-up in Latin America targeting the Venezuelan government.
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NewsUkraine exploring purchase of Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters
Ukraine has signed a letter of intent with rotorcraft manufacturer Bell exploring the purchase of combat helicopters.
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NewsGeneral Atomics will compete Gambit variant in US Navy uncrewed fighter programme
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has confirmed its selection for the US Navy’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme, revealing plans for a carrier-capable autonomous fighter based on its Gambit design family.
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NewsUS Coast Guard expands V-BAT operations in Pacific following recent initial deployment
The US Coast Guard has operationally deployed a Shield AI V-BAT uncrewed aerial vehicle, marking a significant evolution of the service’s aviation capabilities as it enhances maritime drug interdiction operations in the Pacific.
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NewsNetherlands joins US collaborative combat aircraft programme for uncrewed fighters
Amsterdam has committed to participate in the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme, which is developing low-cost autonomous tactical jets to operate alongside crewed fighters like F-35s.
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NewsF-35s lead NATO nuclear deterrence exercise for first time
Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35As are leading NATO’s annual nuclear readiness drills for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the alliance’s 76-year history as the exercise incorporates modern warfare lessons from Ukraine.
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NewsNorthrop Grumman unveils Lumberjack one-way attack platform
US defence manufacturer Northrop Grumman says its new Lumberjack jet-powered attack platform is ready for service after just over a year of development, representing the emerging category of ‘launched effects’ systems.
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NewsL3Harris, IAI team up on light attack aircraft for Israeli air force
Military systems integrator L3Harris has partnered with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to offer a modified Sky Warden light attack aircraft to the Israel air force under a new collaboration agreement.
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NewsBoeing and Leonardo partner on bid for US Army rotary-wing trainer deal
Boeing will serve as prime contractor for a Flight School Next proposal built around Leonardo’s AW119T light-single helicopter, the companies announced at the Association of the US Army conference.
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AnalysisBoeing reveals Collaborative Transformational Rotorcraft family of autonomous tiltrotors
Boeing’s vertical lift unit has revealed a new autonomous tiltrotor concept designed for military operations, featuring modular variants for both combat and logistics support as the military rotorcraft industry shifts toward uncrewed aircraft.
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NewsSikorsky debuts uncrewed cargo variant of UH-60L Black Hawk
Rotorcraft manufacturer Sikorsky has unveiled an autonomous cargo variant of its UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, designed to repurpose retiring UH-60L airframes for uncrewed logistics operations.
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NewsQatar to permanently station F-15QAs at US base
Qatar and the USA have reached an agreement allowing the Gulf state to permanently station Boeing F-15QA fighters at Mountain Home AFB in Idaho, with Doha constructing its own facility at the base.
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NewsTop Canadian defence officials back F-35 acquisition
Senior Royal Canadian Air Force and defence ministry officials have voiced support for Canada’s planned F-35 acquisition, even as deteriorating Canada-US relations under Donald Trump cast doubt over the full 88-aircraft programme.
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NewsUS Air Force orders eight additional Boeing MH-139A helicopters
The US Air Force has expanded its Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter order by eight aircraft in a $173 million deal, bringing total commitments to 34 rotorcraft for nuclear security missions.
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InterviewPratt & Whitney begins assembling XA103 adaptive engine prototype
RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney has started fabricating its XA103 prototype under the US Air Force’s Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion programme, incorporating advances in materials, fan technology and control systems for potential sixth-generation fighter applications.
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NewsIrish Air Corps receives C295 third tactical transport
Ireland has taken delivery of its third C295 from Airbus, the first in transport configuration, as part of a €300 million fleet modernisation programme that represents the largest single equipment project in Irish Defence Forces history.