All articles by Ryan Finnerty – Page 48
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NewsArmed Overwatch special-ops turboprop enters low-rate production
The head of acquisitions at US Special Operations Command say the low-altitude, close-air-support Sky Warden turboprop being built by L3Harris and Air Tractor is now in first-run low-rate initial production, after being selected for the Armed Overwatch programme in 2022.
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NewsUSA approves sale of CH-47s to Germany
Berlin has cleared a major hurdle in its effort to acquire 60 Boeing CH-47F heavy-lift helicopters, securing approval from arms export regulators in Washington.
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NewsSOCOM yet to decide on acquiring Future Vertical Lift aircraft
The US Army is investing billions of dollars to develop its next generation of air assault and reconnaissance rotorcraft, but the Pentagon’s Special Operations Command remains unsure it needs such aircraft.
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NewsSOCOM seeks partnership with Japan on maritime C-130 development
US Special Operations Command remains years from flying a Lockheed Martin C-130 variant capable of taking off and landing on water, but wants to learn about Japan’s experience with its ShinMaywa US-2 maritime aircraft.
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NewsSOCOM looking for new high-speed vertical take-off and landing aircraft
The USA’s Special Operations Command is partnering with the Pentagon’s secretive technology development agency to develop a prototype for a clean sheet aircraft with fixed wing speeds and VTOL capability.
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NewsKratos confident of ‘leadership position’ in developing autonomous jet aircraft
While the American technology developer is much smaller than massive competitors in the defence sector, Kratos executives say they enjoy a sizeable lead over legacy aerospace manufacturers in developing a cheap, pilotless jet aircraft.
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NewsNorthrop completes fifth successful test of AARGM-ER
The Extended Range variant of the Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile is meant to help the US Navy and Marine Corps target and destroy enemy radars critical to air defence.
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NewsPoland to receive eight Apache helicopters from US Army
Following an official visit to Washington, the Polish defence ministry says it has reached an agreement with the Pentagon to receive eight Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the US Army, ahead of Warsaw’s pending purchase of 96 Apaches.
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NewsLockheed prepares to bring undisclosed country into F-35 programme
Lockheed Martin, producer of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter, was recently awarded a $25 million contract to integrate an undisclosed country into the advanced multinational jet programme.
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NewsUSAF commandos land MC-130, A-10s on Wyoming highway
Special operations commandos and pilots with the US Air Force successfully landed UAVs, fighter aircraft and a multi-purpose tactical transport on a rural stretch of roadway during recent exercises.
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NewsDefence leaders in Washington warn of debt default
As lawmakers and the Biden Administration debate raising the US government’s borrowing limit, civilian and uniformed military leaders say unpredictable budgets will set back critical modernisation and procurement programmes.
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NewsKremlin targeted in apparent UAV strike
The Russian government says a kinetic strike by an unmanned aerial vehicle targeted the country’s seat of power in Moscow in the early hours of 3 May, with authorities attributing the attack to Ukraine.
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NewsUSAF now targets early 2030s for fielding stealthy aerial tanker
Speaking during budget hearings in Washington, the top civilian administrator for the US Air Force says he wants to begin production of the still-conceptual Next Generation Air-refuelling System in the early 2030s.
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NewsIndustrial base concerns not a factor in FARA decision
The US Army’s top aviation procurement officer says any potential impacts to the USA’s rotary-wing industrial base will not factor into the service’s eventual choice between Sikorsky and Bell designs for its next-generation scout helicopter.
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NewsTurkish Aerospace reveals prototype TF-X stealth fighter
In a major show of force for its domestic aerospace industry, one of Turkey’s primary aircraft manufacturers unveiled a new stealthy fighter jet, combat UAV and attack helicopter in quick succession.
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NewsLockheed awarded $7.8bn contract for multinational F-35 production
The deal covers 126 of the advanced fighter aircraft under Lot 17 and represents the final instalment of a 2022 agreement with the Pentagon covering 398 F-35s for the USA and allies.
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NewsThree dead in Alaska AH-64 crash
Two US Army Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters collided during a training flight in Alaska, killing three soldiers and injuring a fourth.
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NewsUS Army to decide future of heavy-lift fleet by year-end
The US Army plans this year to settle details about the future composition of its cargo fleet, a plan that may include purchasing the latest version of Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook.
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NewsCollins developing digital brain for autonomous air-launched UAVs
Aviation systems producer Collins Aerospace is testing flight software that will control the US Army’s developmental Air Launched Effects concept, including collaborative teaming between pilots in the air and the uncrewed autonomous vehicles.
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NewsSikorsky stands by X2 coaxial technology following FLRAA loss
After reviewing feedback from the US Army in its failed bid to provide a new long-range troop carrying helicopter, Sikorsky says it remains confident that its radical X2 line of coaxial compound rotorcraft are the right fit for the army’s needs.



















