All articles by Ryan Finnerty – Page 3
-
In depthF-15EX deemed effective against fifth-generation threats in Pentagon evaluation
The latest version of the venerable Boeing multi-role fighter has been assessed as operationally effective in an air superiority role by Pentagon auditors, including against fifth-generation aircraft operated by adversary forces.
-
NewsUS Navy expands funding for PteroDynamics autonomous logistics UAV
The service expanded funding for development of the company’s vertical take-off and landing Transwing autonomous aircraft by an additional $4.6 million, which will be used to build a test platform capable of delivering a 22.5kg (50lb) payload at least 400nm (740km).
-
NewsUS Air Force drills F-35 pilots for Pacific operations
In the latest iteration of the ongoing combat readiness exercises known as Bamboo Eagle, American pilots of the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter were tested on skills needed to operate the single-engined jet over water for long durations.
-
NewsRaytheon progressing with development of Stinger replacement
The US Army plans to replace Raytheon’s Cold War-era shoulder-launched FIM-92 anti-air missile with the Next-Generation Short Range Interceptor amid surging demand for flexible air defence capability.
-
In depthChina rehearsing forced unification campaign around Taiwan: US Pacific commander
The top American officer in the Indo-Pacific region, Admiral Samuel Paparo, says Beijing is not simply conducting regular training exercises around Taiwan, but is rehearsing a military campaign to force the unification of Taiwan with mainland China.
-
In depthL3Harris stays focused on military business jet conversions despite army setback
Although it lost out on a major US Army contract to develop a new long-range surveillance aircraft based on a Bombardier business jet, L3Harris continues to deliver similar aircraft that will be deployed to hotspots like the Korean Peninsula, along with new electronic warfare aircraft for the US Air Force, Italy and Australia.
-
NewsBrazil begins flight testing of indigenous carrier-based uncrewed aircraft
Brazilian manufacturer Stella Tecnologia has started land-based flight tests with the company’s Albatroz remotely piloted aircraft, which Brasilia eventually hopes to operate from the Brazilian navy’s NAM Atlantico light aircraft carrier.
-
NewsCanada reaffirms defence relationship with USA amid tariff tensions
Although the diplomatic relationship between the two North American allies has hit its lowest ebb in over a century, Canada’s top defence official is reaffirming the military relationship between Ottawa and Washington.
-
In depthTaiwan seeking new E-2D airborne early warning aircraft from USA
Taiwan has reportedly submitted a formal request to Washington for the purchase six E-2D airborne early warning aircraft from US manufacturer Northrop Grumman to replace the older fleet of five E-2Ks.
-
NewsNorthrop Grumman prepares to deliver second and third MQ-4Cs to Australia
One of the maritime surveillance UAVs is already in service with the Royal Australian Air Force, with two more examples undergoing final evaluations before delivery.
-
NewsRestored ‘Franken-bird’ F-35 returns to flight
After more than a year of work, engineers and maintenance experts from the US Air Force and Lockheed Martin successfully flew a regenerated F-35 fighter formed by splicing together sections from two damaged jets to form a single working aircraft.
-
NewsArmy helicopter was 100ft above mandatory flight ceiling during collision with PSA Airlines jet
Preliminary data released by the USA’s National Transportation Safety Board indicates the incident Sikorsky UH-60 was flying around 300ft when it impacted a PSA Airlines regional jet – some 100ft above the altitude ceiling of 200ft for rotorcraft in the area.
-
In depthUS Marine Corps plans mechanical improvements to address Osprey safety concerns
Following a tumultuous multi-year period of serious safety incidents for the iconic Bell-Boeing tiltrotor, the US Marine Corps says it is pursuing mechanical improvements of Osprey components blamed for at least one fatal crash and numerous groundings.
-
NewsFinal US AV-8B Harriers to retire from service in 2027
The latest aviation strategy from the US Marine Corps calls for half of the service’s vertical/short take-off and landing AV-8B Harrier jump jets to be retired by 2026, with the remaining aircraft mothballed in 2027.
-
NewsNo more ‘must win competitions’ for Lockheed under de-risking strategy: CEO Taiclet
Chief executive James Taiclet says the defence giant has repositioned its portfolio of development programmes, including by accepting some short-term penalties in 2024 on a secretive aircraft development programme.
-
NewsPoland begins transition to F-35 with start of flight training at US base
After accepting its first two stealth fighters from Lockheed Martin in December, Poland has begun training its initial cohort of F-35 Lightning II pilots at a US Air National Guard Base in the state of Arkansas.
-
NewsNight vision equipment and crowded airspace under scrutiny in Washington collision
A former helicopter pilot familiar with the incident area says city lights, crowded airspace and the use of night vision equipment by military pilots make for a hectic operating environment.
-
NewsBlack Hawk involved in PSA Airlines crash was conducting a night proficiency flight
The crew of a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk that fatally struck a commercial airliner was assigned to a Virginia-based VIP transport unit and was performing an annual night proficiency flight at the time of the incident.
-
NewsNo survivors reported from PSA Airlines crash in Washington, DC
Emergency response officials from the District of Columbia say no survivors have been found after a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by PSA Airlines collided with a US Army helicopter over the Potomac River, with the effort now shifting from a rescue to recovery mission.
-
NewsMidair collision likely first fatal accident involving US airline since 2009 Colgan Air crash
The midair collision of an American Eagle-branded regional jet and a Sikorsky UH-60 helicopter near Washington, DC may be the first fatal crash involving a US airline since the 2009 crash of a Colgan Air-operated regional jet that killed 50 people.