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
Russian Helicopters Unveils New Mi-171Sh-VN ‘Hip’ Troop Carrier
Russian Helicopters is displaying an impressive range of its military products at the Army 2020 International Military-Technical Forum.
Aircraft
Thailand To Choose Beechcraft Light Attack and Trainer Aircraft
Although not confirmed by the manufacturer, it seems that Thailand has selected the Beechcraft T-6 and AT-6 to answer training and light attack needs.
Rotorcraft
More Singapore Chinooks Go to Australia as Training Expands
The Singaporean training detachment at Oakey in Queensland is scheduled to receive the bulk of the new CH-47F helicopters that are to be delivered shortly.
Aircraft
First A350 Handed Over to German Armed Forces
Inevitably dubbed by the press as “Merkel One,” the aircraft is due to take over long-haul governmental transport duties from the A340.
Engines
Honeywell Gains FAA Nod for 3D-printed Flight-critical Part
Honeywell said the approval marks a step forward in the fast-growing 3D printing field.
Aircraft
Icarus Launches Optionally-Piloted Multi-Role Aircraft
The TAV/Wasp can be tailored to a wide variety of roles, offering turboprop efficiency for many combat and surveillance tasks.
Air Force Huey Hit by Ground Fire in Virginia
A single bullet struck the helicopter, damaging it and causing minor injuries to a crew member.
Security
South Korea Unveils Plan to Improve Defenses
Better theater situational awareness, expanded missile defenses, armed UAVs and a light aircraft carrier are on Seoul’s shopping list.
Next Generation Jammer Pod Flies on Growler
The U.S. Navy’s electronic attack capabilities are receiving a major boost with the adoption of the NGJ to replace the 50-year-old ALQ-99.
Aircraft
Rwanda To Receive Special-mission Cessna Caravans
The sale of two Cessna Grand Caravan EXs to the Rwanda Defense Force is made possible through U.S. government grant aid funding.
Aircraft
Final Captive Test for U.S. Air Force’s Hypersonic Weapon
The Lockheed Martin AGM-183A "Arrow" hypersonic missile could be fielded as early as 2022 if development proceeds successfully.
Aircraft
France Takes Delivery of First ISR King Air 350
The Armée de l’Air is expected to receive eight special-mission King Air 350s for a range of reconnaissance duties.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force Begins F-16 AESA Multi-ship Trials
The U.S. Air Force plans to equip around 350 of its F-16s with SABR radar to see them through into the 2040s.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Aspen Avionics Joining New Aerospace/Defense Group
Airo Group is consolidating a number of aerospace and defense companies in a bid to develop a new publicly traded company.
Aircraft
Canada’s Future Fighter Selection Enters the Final Straight
The long-running saga of what will be Canada’s next fighter could be decided in 2022 following the submission of bids from the three competitors.
Aircraft
ATAC, Draken, Tactical Air Secure ‘Red Air’ Work
The U.S. Air Force is rolling out its CAF/CAS program to provide contractorized adversary air services across its fighter bases.
Aircraft
Japan’s ‘Super Interceptor’ Takes a Step Forward
After the 2019 announcement of Japan’s decision to upgrade half of its Eagles, the program has advanced with the signing of the first agreement.
Aircraft
Sabrewing Aims To Start Flight Tests for Rhaegal eVTOLs
Type certification plans for the first Rhaegal eVTOL aircraft have been pushed back into the first quarter of 2022.
Aircraft
First Five Rafales Depart for India; More A330s for France
Nearly four years after contract signature, the first five Dassault Rafales for India are due to touch down in the country.
Aircraft
China Flies AG600 from the Sea, Suggests Assault Ship Could Operate Aircraft
The successor to the Harbin SH-5 amphibian in People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) service is making progress toward service entry.
Aircraft
Covid Dents F-35 Production as Development Continues
The global pandemic has inevitably hit production rates for the F-35, but Lockheed Martin hopes to begin clawing back lost time in the fall.
Rotorcraft
UK Mulls Puma Replacement Plans
The UK operates an aging fleet of Puma support helicopters rapidly approaching the end of their service lives.
Women In Defense Panel Aims To Bolster Inclusiveness
Women continue to face disadvantages in the workplace, despite efforts to raise awareness of preconceptions about gender roles.
Aircraft
Europe On Course for Two Future Combat Programs
While many see a single European FCAS program being the best way forward, national ambitions are suggesting that this will not happen any time soon.
Aircraft
Tempest On Course To Be an Air Combat Game-changer
While the Tempest has become a trinational program, the UK’s industrial team is already making good progress with technology demonstrations.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force To Take Over Turkey’s F-35s
The Pentagon has issued a contract to Lockheed Martin to deliver new-production F-35As to the U.S. Air Force instead of Turkey.
Maintenance and Modifications
Bombardier Pitches Special-mission Conversions for its Bizjets
From Learjet 75s to Global 7500s, Bombardier's range of business jets stand as candidates for special mission conversion.
Aircraft
Typhoon’s E-scan Radar Introduction Months Away
Deliveries of Typhoons with electronically-scanned array radars are approaching, but new development paths are emerging among the original partners.
Stratasys to Ship Fourth 3D Printer for BAE's Samlesbury Plant
BAE Systems is one of a number of companies embracing additive manufacturing as a means of streamlining production and reducing costs and lead times.
Aircraft
Indonesia Interested in Austria’s Typhoons
In its ongoing search for an F-5 replacement the Indonesian air force has shown interest in the Austrian Typhoons, whose future is far from certain.
