Chris Pocock
Defense Correspondent
Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30 years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.
Latest from Chris Pocock
Aircraft
British Hybrid Airship Makes Delayed 'First' Flight
Manufacturer says that defense is still the key market, although civil authorities EASA and UK CAA will monitor flight tests.
Aircraft
Lockheed Martin Improves Precision-guided Bombing
But rivalry with alternative provider Raytheon continues.
Rotorcraft
Kuwait Signs Contract for 30 H225M Caracal Helicopters
With Poland’s order still not finalized, deal is a welcome boost for Airbus Helicopters
Aircraft
New Orders Boost AW139 Market Leadership, Says Maker
Pakistan is the latest government customer for the medium twin, according to Leonardo Helicopters.
Aircraft
Embraer KC-390 Visits Middle East after Farnborough
The prototype has completed a successful international debut, according to its maker.
Aircraft
The F-35A Goes Operational in the U.S. Air Force
A 12-aircraft squadron could now deploy, but with interim capabilities for the time being.
Seven European Nations Fail To Support Joint Tanker Fleet
Only two Airbus A330MRTT aircraft ordered by only two countries
Aircraft
Dassault’s Defense Business Still Thriving
Mirage upgrade contract and Neuron flight test extension adds to earnings from Rafale.
Aircraft
Airbus DS Chief Frustrated With A400M Delays
A revised delivery schedule is still awaited, because of the propeller gearbox problems.
Aircraft
More F-35 News from RIAT and Farnborough
Announcements by BAE Systems, a new agreement on Turkish missile integration, Canada’s partner status, and endorsements from senior U.S. commanders.
Aircraft
BAE Systems Describes EW Capabilities
The company’s low-profile electronic warfare business was highlighted in a Farnborough airshow briefing.
Aircraft
Farnborough Show Brought Plenty of Defense News
A round-up of AIN’s comprehensive coverage of the event.
Aircraft
ESA Gives Sabre Hypersonic Engine a Boost
This week at Farnborough Reaction Engines also announced the creation of a U.S.-based subsidiary
Aircraft
P&W, Rolls sign F-35 Support Pact
The companies will jointly provide technical support from RAF Marham.
Training and Workforce
Giuseppe Giordo Named President and CEO of Aero Vodochody
Giuseppe Giordo was introduced as the new president and CEO of Aero Vodochody, the Czech maker of training and light combat jets.
F-35 Packs a Punch
The Lockheed Martin F-35 can carry a large weapons load, combining internal and external stores.
Rotorcraft
LM-Armed Black Hawk Made in Poland
Lockheed Martin’s acquisition of Sikorsky has led to a version of the Black Hawk helicopter with mostly LM weaponry.
Training and Workforce
Martin Baker Has Fix for F-35 Seat Safety Issue
Low-speed ejection testing in 2015 revealed an increased risk of neck injury for lightweight.
Aircraft
Eurofighter Approaching True Potential
The UK has driven the integration timetable for air-to-ground weapons on the Typhoon, because the RAF is retiring its Tornado strike jet fleet in 2019.
Aircraft
F-35 Flyaway Cost Targeted at $85 Million
Cost reductions and product enhancements in the offing for Lockheed Martin’ stealth fighter.
Despite Technical Progress, Hybrid Airships Still Await Launch Customers
The huge hybrid airship remains confined inside the hangar at Cardington, England, from which it was due to emerge and fly last April.
UTC Tactical Recon System Selling Well
The Royal Jordanian Air Force is set to become the 10th F-16 operator to opt for the centerline, pod-mounted version of the DB-110.
Aircraft
UK Orders $6 Billion of Boeing Military Hardware
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) yesterday handed Boeing $6 billion-worth of orders.
Solar-Powered ‘Pseudo Satellite’ On Display at Farnborough 2016
Airbus D&S is continuing to develop the home-grown Zephyr for military and civil applications.
Can Britain Afford F-35 Grand Plans?
UK defense minister believes the country can stand with the U.S. in being able to project power around the world.
Aircraft
UK Set to Order Poseidon and Apache As F-35 Stars in Show
Despite the gloomy talk after the “Brexit” decision to leave the EU, the UK is pushing ahead with defense procurement plans.
Elta Offers Wide Variety Of ISTAR Solutions
A rare glimpse of Israeli company’s special mission aircraft capabilities was had at a recent conference.
High-Powered Microwave Weapons Note Quite Ready
New contracts have been issued, but maturity of a technology that can disable computer systems is debated.
Rotorcraft
RAF Benson CAE Heli Training Facility Enhanced
CAE has further enhanced the helicopter training facility at RAF Benson
Leonardo Will Work Better Together Than Finmeccanica
The Italian aerospace group formerly known as Finmeccanica says the company will effectively operate following its reorganization under the name Leonardo.
