All Special Operations Command articles
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NewsUSAF special operations test air-launching small UAVs from MQ-9A
The recent demonstrations saw an Anduril Altius 600 deployed from a General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9A Reaper while in flight, as the US Air Force seeks to expand its ability to operate in a contested environment.
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NewsGovernment auditor tells SOCOM to slow Armed Overwatch acquisition
The US Government Accountability Office says the Pentagon’s Special Operations Command is moving ahead too rapidly with the acquisition of Armed Overwatch turboprops from L3Harris-Air Tractor, failing to adequately justify the planned fleet size of 75 aircraft.
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NewsBoeing lands SOCOM order for six MH-47G Chinook helicopters
The deal for six MH-47G special operations helicopters will help sustain Boeing’s Chinook Block II production line, while the manufacturer awaits a hoped-for acquisition decision by the US Army.
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NewsAurora proposes fan-in-wing aircraft for DARPA Sprint competition
Revealing the second of four designs for DARPA’s Speed and Runway Independent Technologies aircraft development programme, Boeing subsidiary Aurora is opting for a blended-wing-body approach using fan-in-wing rotors for vertical lift.
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NewsDARPA selects competitors for high-speed vertical take-off and landing aircraft
Four manufacturers will compete to build an experimental, special operations-focused platform capable of combining jet aircraft speeds with the versatility of vertical take-off and landing.
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In depthValue and versatility: Embraer pitches KC-390 to the USA
Brazilian airframer hopes to pick off business from aerospace giants like Airbus, Lockheed and Boeing with its multi-role KC-390 Millennium jet.
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NewsPrimordial Labs demos voice command technology for small UAVs
The developmental system known as Anura could allow military operators to direct unmanned aerial vehicles using voice prompts, rather than having to fly them with a physical control station.
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In depthUkraine war proves case for loitering munitions and counter-UAS defences
Early investments into offensive and defensive unmanned aerial vehicle technologies are paying off for first movers in the space, as the systems prove valuable on the battlefields of Ukraine.
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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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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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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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NewsLeonardo to upgrade avionics on USA’s remaining C-27Js
The $91 million contract with the US Special Operations Command will provide an upgraded avionics package on the ageing Leonardo tactical transports, currently operated by the US Coast Guard and the US Army’s special operators.
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NewsUnmanned aircraft disrupting military order: SOCOM chief
Citing on-going combat in Ukraine, the top general at the US Special Operations Command says commercial drones and military UAVs are upending the battlefield status quo.
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NewsL3Harris and Air Tractor win Armed Overwatch competition for special ops air support
The partnership’s AT-802U SkyWarden prevailed over designs from Textron and Sierra Nevada in the competitive bid to provide reconaissance and close air support to the USA’s special operations troops.
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NewsAFSOC aims to design, build and fly amphibious C-130 in 17 months
The US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) plans to design, build and fly an amphibious retrofit kit for the Lockheed Martin MC-130J in 17 months.
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NewsBell unveils three ‘High-Speed Vertical Take-Off and Landing’ design concepts
The company claims its High-Speed Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft could blend “the hover capability of a helicopter with the speed, range and survivability features of a fighter aircraft”. Such as system would be capable of “low-downwash hover” and “jet-like cruise speeds over 400kt [740km/h]”, the manufacturer says.
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NewsUS Special Operations Command explores amphibious MC-130 transport concept
The US Special Operations Command is exploring turning its Lockheed Martin MC-130J into an amphibious aircraft by adding two large floats below its hull.
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NewsAir Tractor, L3Harris launch AT-802U Sky Warden light attack aircraft
Air Tractor has teamed with L3Harris Technologies to produce the AT-802U Sky Warden, a new variant of its light attack aircraft.