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
JStars Contenders Argue Merits of Business Jet Versus Airliner
A Gulfstream G550 can fly the JStars mission 'higher, faster, farther' and more affordably than an airliner, the manufacturer contends.
Aircraft
Tecnam Provides Low-Cost Trainer to Argentina
The Italian company’s P2002JF very light aircraft (VLA) is graduating new pilots in a lease-purchase plus support deal.
Aircraft
Russia’s MAKS Show Highlights T-50 PAKFA Progress
The fifth-generation fighter is cleared for limited production; new UAVs and helicopters were on display
Aircraft
New Chinese Weapons Seen On J-10C Fighter
The PL-10 and PL-15 are reportedly high-performance next-generation air-to-air missiles.
Aircraft
Contractors Prepare for New Defense Flying Training Needs
Draken International and Cobham will jointly bid in the UK; ATAC will buy French Mirage F1s for U.S. requirements.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Airbus 'Sagitta' Unmanned Demonstrator Makes First Flight
The former EADS Cassidian business, later Airbus Defence, launched the Sagitta research project in 2010.
Avionics
Elbit Awarded Contract To Develop F-35 Display Replacement
The new panoramic cockpit display will replace the F-35's current large-area display under the Block 4 upgrade program.
Aircraft
Total Acquisition Estimate for F-35 Rises to $406.5 Billion
A reduction in the annual buy of F-35As by the U.S. Air Force is behind the overall cost increase, the Pentagon said.
Aircraft
Australia To Upgrade Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft
The RAAF is also upgrading its Hawk fighter-trainers, and joining the US Navy in development of a new jammer for EA-18G Growlers.
Aircraft
Indian Military Gets Connected Aircraft Demo from Honeywell
Air Force and Naval Aviation chiefs are interested in predictive maintenance.
Rotorcraft
First Marine Corps' CH-53K Arrives at Patuxent River for Testing
The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command expects to receive seven of the improved heavy-lift helicopters over the next year.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Piaggio Resumes Flight Testing of Unmanned HammerHead
A second prototype of the unmanned P.180 Avanti derivative returned to flight test status after a first prototype crashed in May 2016.
Aircraft
China Explores Electromagnetic Carrier Launch System
Land tests of an EMALS seen, amidst talk of a third indigenous aircraft carrier.
Aircraft
Two More Nations Join Euro-Tanker Fleet
Seven Airbus A330MRTTs are now slated for the pooling project, but still only four countries have committed.
Avionics
BAE Systems Employs F1 And Gaming Expertise
Partnership with Williams creates new cockpit simulation facility in the UK for fast jet training and development.
Aircraft
Embraer Begins Delivery of UK Military Trainer Phenoms
The contract includes firm orders for five Phenoms, support and options for follow-on aircraft.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
U.S. Military Budgets More for Small Unmanned Aircraft Services
The Naval Air Systems Command and Special Operations Command have awarded IDIQ contracts of $1.7 billion and $475 million, respectively.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
General Atomics Rolls Out Improved Ground Station for Reaper
Plans call for the Block 50 Advanced Cockpit Ground Control Station to replace existing ground stations for U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reapers.
Aircraft
Lockheed Martin Debuts Civil LM-100J Hercules Transport at Paris Air Show 2017
Lockheed Martin Debuts Civil LM-100J Hercules Transport at Paris Air Show 2017
Aircraft
U.S. Offers GA-ASI Sea Guardian UAS to India
The maritime surveillance system is part of a further planned boost in defense cooperation between the two countries.
Aircraft
Leonardo’s M346 Gets Some Teeth
A fighter attack version is being offered that retains the type’s previous capabilities.
Aircraft
Philippines Likely To Buy Super Tucanos
An escalating Muslim insurgency in the country’s southern island has lent urgency to a close air support requirement.
Aircraft
Australian Buy of Modified G550s Confirmed
L3 Com will modify the Gulfstream jets for ISR and EW.
Aircraft
Britain’s New Aircraft Carrier Starts Sea Trials
HMS Queen Elizabeth can carry up to 36 F-35B stealth fighters or 43 helicopters.
Aircraft
Antonov An-132D Military Transport Flying Display at Paris Air Show 2017
Antonov An-132D Military Transport Flying Display at Paris Air Show 2017
Aircraft
Dassault’s Rafale Fighter Flying Display at Paris Air Show 2017
Dassault’s Rafale Fighter Flying Display at Paris Air Show 2017
Aircraft
Embraer’s KC-390 Military Transport Jet Makes Paris Debut, Nears Certification
Embraer’s KC-390 Military Transport Jet Makes Paris Debut, Nears Certification
Engines
F-22 Engine Reaches the Half-million
Pratt & Whitney’s F119 engine that powers the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor has recently surpassed 500,000 engine flight hours
Aircraft
F-35 Stamps Fifth-Gen Authority On Paris
JSF makes statements on the air and on the ground at the 2017 Salon du Bourget, where it was the star of the show.
Aircraft
Pioneering Civilian Lease Deal for C295 Airlifter
A Canadian leasing company placed a firm order for 12, hoping to place them in various civilian and government operations.
