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.
Rotorcraft
Autonomous Black Hawk Flies Resupply, Medevac Missions
An autonomous, uncrewed Sikorsky Black Hawk recently flew a variety of simulated military missions.
Aircraft
Australia to Replace Aging C-130Js with More Super Hercules
The replacement and expansion of the Super Hercules fleet with a greater number of the same type represents a cost-effective, low-risk approach.
Typhoon Fighters To Protect the FIFA World Cup in Qatar
A joint UK/Qatari squadron has deployed from the UK to bolster the air defenses of Qatar during the world’s largest single-sport competition.
Rotorcraft
First AH-64E Apache Guardian for the Netherlands
The Koninjklijke Luchtmacht’s Apache fleet is being overhauled with the delivery of remanufactured AH-64Ds.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Poland To Lease Reapers Ahead of Planned MQ-9B Buy
MQ-9A Reapers are being leased from General Atomics to fill a capability gap ahead of Poland’s planned acquisition of RPAs under the Zefir project.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo AW101 Takes On Leadville
Tri-engine Leonardo AW101 helicopter completes OEI high-altitude testing at famed Colorado airport.
Aircraft
Hensoldt and Rafael Team for Luftwaffe Electronic Warfare Pod
The podded system is aimed at the Luftwaffe’s requirement to outfit Eurofighter Typhoons for the electronic attack role.
Engines
Poland Selects GE Power for AW149 Helicopters
Poland has selected GE's CT7-2E1 engines for its fleet order of Leonardo AW149 helicopters.
Aircraft
Beechcraft Hands Over 1,000th T-6 Texan II Trainer
The primary flight trainer that produces pilots for the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps has also passed five million flying hours.
Aircraft
Skunk Works To Display Darkstar from Top Gun: Maverick at Edwards Airshow
Fact and fiction have combined to create a top-draw attraction, as Lockheed Martin’s hypersonic creation for the "Top Gun: Maverick" movie goes public.
Rotorcraft
First Navy Class Begins Training in Leonardo TH-73A
Student naval aviators will now train in the Leonardo TH-73A Thrasher.
Rotorcraft
French Navy Receives First Airbus H160 for SAR Duties
Six civilian-standard helicopters are being taken into service by the Marine Nationale in advance of the first deliveries of militarized H160Ms.
Rotorcraft
Brazilian Military Orders 27 Airbus H125s
The order for 27 Airbus H125 helicopters will be used by the Brazilian air force and navy flight training programs.
Aircraft
Bombardier Delivers Global 6000 for USAF BACN Program
The latest Global to go to the U.S. Air Force, a 6000 modified for the BACN program, marks the first delivery under a June 2021 contract.
Aircraft
Northrop Grumman Rolls Out First Australian Triton Surveillance UAV
The high-altitude, long-endurance uncrewed aircraft will operate on maritime surveillance duties alongside crewed P-8A Poseidons.
Rotorcraft
Poland Plans to Acquire Large Apache Guardian Fleet
If all the planned 96 AH-64Es are purchased it will make the Polish army the second biggest Apache operator after the U.S. Army.
Regulations and Government
USAF Grey Wolf Advances Toward Deployment
The FAA STCs clear the path for the Boeing-Leonardo MH-139A helicopter's operational testing.
Aircraft
Embraer Completes Certification Tests for Fire-fighting C-390
Military certification of fire-fighting equipment will add another capability to the multi-role medium airlifter.
Avionics
Stevens Aerospace Celebrates C-12U G1000 Install
Stevens Aerospace has completed its first G1000 NXi avionics installation under a U.S. Army C-12U/B200C King Air contract.
Aircraft
Flight Testing the F-35, a Test Pilot’s Amazing Job
Flight Testing the F-35, a Test Pilot’s Amazing Job
Aircraft
Qatar Takes Delivery of Ready-to-fight Typhoon Fighters
With the arrival of the first Typhoons, the QEAF now has three modern front-line fighters in service, having already inducted the F-15QA Eagle and Rafale.
Maintenance and Modifications
Engine Fires Prompt Army To Ground Entire Chinook Fleet
CH-47 engine fires are linked to use of nonstandard engine O-rings.
Regulations and Government
FAA Grants HOGE Utility Power STC for AW139
Defense systems on Boeing-Leonardo MH-139A triggered the need for multiple STCs.
Aircraft
Gripen E Fires Meteor as Air-to-Air Combat Approval Nears
The Gripen E program is now into the serial production phase, while work progresses at pace to bring the aircraft into operation.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo AW249 Makes First Flight
New two-seat Leonardo AW249 attack helicopter—a successor to the AW129 Mangusta—made its first flight on August 12 in Vergiate, Italy.
Rotorcraft
Air Force Takes First Boeing-Leonardo MH-139A
The U.S. Air Force MH-139 will be used to protect intercontinental ballistic missile bases and transport government officials and security forces.
Rotorcraft
Czech Republic Takes More Viper and Venom Helicopters
The UH-1Y Venoms and AH-1Z Vipers will bolster the Czech fleet as the nation's Soviet-era helicopters are gifted to support Ukrainian forces.
Aircraft
Compass Call Gulfstream on Track for Service in 2023
The G550 business jet platform is taking over the communications intelligence and jamming role from the EC-130H Hercules.
Training and Workforce
ATAC Lands F-35 Fighter Chase Contract
The Textron business unit, best known for its contract aggressor work, will support flight test activities at the F-35 final assembly plant.
Aircraft
L3Harris Sky Warden Selected for Armed Overwatch Program
The missionized agricultural Sky Warden will be used in support of U.S. special forces in areas such as Africa.
