Defense
Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.
Aircraft
Tecnam and Rolls-Royce Scrap P-Volt Electric Aircraft
Current battery technology is not cost-effective for commercial flight operations due to useful life limits, according to Tecnam and Rolls-Royce.
Aircraft
Russian Aerospace Forces a Shadow of Former Self
Ukrainian defenses are exposing weaknesses in Russia’s air power.
Aircraft
U.S., European Defense Suppliers Play Critical Role in Ukraine
Upgrading aging Russian jets with Western hardware is now making a difference in the air war in Ukraine.
Rotorcraft
Military Variant of Leonardo AW609 Appears Likely
The U.S. Army's contract award to Bell to develop its V-280 tiltrotor for an assault aircraft raises speculation of the AW609's use as an escort vehicle.
Rotorcraft
First Production Grey Wolf in Final Assembly
Final assembly of the first production USAF Boeing-Leonardo MH-139A helicopter has begun.
Maintenance and Modifications
Bombardier, GD To Offer Special-mission Global 6500 to Canada
The maritime patrol version of the Global offers a Canadian alternative to the Boeing P-8 Poseidon.
Aircraft
First Flight for Mission-equipped Compass Call Gulfstream
The Gulfstream G550-based EC-37B is taking over the electronic attack role from the long-serving EC-130H Hercules.
Aircraft
Finnish Border Guard Narrows Contest to Three Bizjet Platforms
Force is seeking a surveillance aircraft based on a business jet to replace aging Dornier Do-228 turboprops
Maintenance and Modifications
Bell Offering Militarized Variants of All Civil Models
Bell will offer militarized "special mission aircraft" versions of all its civil aircraft models tailored to the needs of the export market.
Aircraft
First Flight for Turkey’s Hürjet Trainer
The advanced trainer is planned to adopt light combat roles in addition to its supersonic training function.
Rotorcraft
Airbus To Build Militarized H125 Helicopters in the U.S.
The Airbus AH-125 and MH-125 military helicopters will be built at the company's U.S. manufacturing plant in Columbus, Mississippi.
Aircraft
Brazil Seeks More Gripens as Saab/Embraer Strengthen Ties
Further Gripen fighter purchases for Brazil were discussed at the start of the program, but now serious evaluations are getting under way.
Rotorcraft
Bell Adds Pratt, SNC to HSVTOL Team
Buoyed by V-280 win, Bell presses ahead with high-speed VTOL concept.
Rotorcraft
GAO Rejects Sikorsky FLRAA Appeal
After losing the FLRAA program, Sikorsky examines new markets for its X2 technology.
Aircraft
Tenth A330 MRTT Picked for NATO Tanker Transport Fleet
Belgium’s decision to increase its usage of the MMF tanker/transport fleet has driven the procurement of a further A330 to bring the fleet to 10.
Aircraft
Airbus Demonstrates Autonomous Refueling Technology
Airbus's Auto’Mate technology successfully guided a series of drones to a pre-contact refueling position behind a tanker.
Aircraft
Turkey Unveils Stealth Fighter and Combat UAV
Despite the setbacks imposed by the tragic earthquakes that hit Turkey in February, TAI lifted the veil on the country’s fifth-generation fighter program.
MBDA Accelerates Missile Production in Response to Ukraine War
The Anglo-French company’s orderbook has also been swelled by major sales in the UAE and Poland.
Aircraft
KAI Unveils First ‘Gap-Filler’ Light Fighter for Poland
A dozen FA-50GFs are being delivered ahead of the full-spec FA-50PL to provide a replacement for Poland’s MiG-29s.
Rotorcraft
Merlin Brings UH-60 Compact Sim to Heli-Expo
Merlin Simulation is debuting its Blackhawk Compact Trainer.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Air Force Is First U.S. Customer for the MQ-9B SkyGuardian
General Atomics' MQ-9B drones will help the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command develop a beyond-the-horizon power projection capability.
Aircraft
Latest-Generation Rafale Fighter Enters French Air Force Service
The F4 standard Rafale represents a major improvement in terms of communications, sensors and weapons capability.
Aircraft
Toll Helicopters Orders Two AW139s for Australian Defense Force
Australian helicopter operator Toll Helicopters has ordered two new AW139 intermediate twin helicopters from Leonardo.
Engines
Rolls-Royce Begins Testing of B-52 Replacement Engine
The engine-maker is expecting to deliver more than 600 F130 turbofans to re-engine the USAF’s entire B-52H fleet.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force Orders First Two E-7 AEW Aircraft From Boeing
The Boeing 737 AEW&C/E-7A has been selected to replace the USAF’s long-serving E-3A Sentry in the airborne warning and control role.
Rotorcraft
Navy Orders Fourth Lot of Leonardo TH-73A Trainers
The U.S. Navy is adding more TH-73A training helicopters to its fleet, replacing its Bell TH-57 Sea Rangers.
Aircraft
Embraer and IAI/Elta Launch Cost-effective AEW Aircraft
Technological advances have allowed Elta to develop a small, heavily automated surveillance system that can be carried by the Praetor 600 business jet.
Aircraft
PAL’s Global 6500-based Maritime Patroller Emerges
While Saab has ceased marketing its Swordfish MPA, a similar aircraft is now being pitched by PAL as competition to Boeing’s P-8 Poseidon.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
STOL Predator/Sky Guardian Variant Attracts Emirati Interest
The UAE had tried to order Predators earlier, but that deal ended over security concerns that scuppered the country's F-35 purchase.
Regulations and Government
MD Helicopters Launches Latest Cayuse Warrior Plus Version
The company says the latest iteration of the “Little Bird” offers similar capabilities to more expensive light attack/armed scout helicopters.
