All Fixed-Wing news – Page 34
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Pratt & Whitney ‘ramping’ for F-35 engine core upgrade to enter service by 2028
While a formal decision on addressing the stealthy fighter’s power and cooling constraints remains absent, engine-maker Pratt & Whitney says it is ramping a core upgrade programme for the F-35’s powerplant based on a recent preliminary support contract.
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USAF B-1 bomber unit prepares for B-21 Raider
The US Air Force’s 28th Bomb Wing, which currently operates the Boeing B-1B, will be the first unit to receive the B-21 stealth bomber later this decade.
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USAF announces successful test of fully assembled hypersonic cruise missile
The AGM-183 Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon was delivered from Lockheed Martin in “all-up-round” form, meaning the cruise missile was fully assembled.
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Italy, Japan and UK to design GCAP fighter for compatibility with US and other NATO allies
The sixth-generation fighter under development by Italy, Japan and the UK will be capable of close integration with the militaries of other NATO partners, including the USA.
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Aurora wins DARPA contract to develop ‘active flow control’ X-plane
The X-plane effort aims to produce an aircraft that uses so-called active flow control, rather than traditional aerodynamic control surfaces such as rudders and flaps, to improve flight performance.
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Fewer A-10s but protections for F-22s, EA-18Gs and F-15s in US defence policy bill
If approved, the behemoth bill to fund the US military through 2023 would allow some reductions to the A-10 fleet, but prohibit retirements of many other types, including fighters, tankers and transports.
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Italy, Japan and UK confirm joint GCAP fighter development pact
Italy, Japan and the UK have agreed to jointly develop a future fighter, with the nations to advance the effort via a trilateral Global Combat Air Programme activity.
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B-21 test pilots discuss preparations for first flight
Loads calibration, structural strength evaluations and testing flight systems using a business jet are just a few of the tasks test pilots from Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force are undertaking in preparation for the new stealth bomber’s first flight.
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US military to explore use of sustainable aviation fuel
A directive from Congress included in the 2023 defence spending bill would require the Pentagon to establish at least one refinery and production of a 10% SAF fuel blend by 2028.
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Europe must do more to support domestic industry, says Airbus defence chief
Decades of indecision over fleet modernisation and the lack of a joined-up industrial strategy have left European defence firms at a disadvantage against their US rivals for domestic business, according to the head of Airbus Defence & Space.
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Pratt & Whitney awarded preliminary contract for F-35 engine ‘enhancement’
A decision by the US Air Force on whether to completely replace the Lockheed Martin jet’s single engine or opt for a cheaper core upgrade to the existing powerplant remains unresolved.
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Northrop Grumman reveals B-21 test aircraft as stealth programme roars toward first flight
Northrop Grumman has unveiled the next-generation stealth bomber under development for the US Air Force.
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Dassault and Airbus break FCAS impasse and sign Phase 1B agreement
Dassault and Airbus have finally signed off on the next phase of the next-generation fighter they are developing on behalf of France, Germany and Spain, but first flight will now not be before 2029.
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Military certification approval clears Gripen E for operational debut
Saab has secured a Military Restricted Type Certificate for its Gripen E from the Swedish and Brazilian authorities, clearing the way for the type to enter operational use.
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Fighter jets team with UAVs in airborne targeting demonstration
Four defence contractors, including General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Tactical Air Support and General Dynamics, collaborated to test a Lockheed Martin sensor system using teams of crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
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Washington approves Finland purchase of Raytheon air-to-air, air-to-ground missiles
The government in Helsinki received approval for an official Foreign Military Sales request to purchase 40 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles and 48 AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapons from Raytheon.
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A400M on track to assume UK special forces support role, Airbus says
Airbus Defence & Space is making good progress against an accelerated capability development plan for the UK Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) A400M Atlas fleet, a senior company official says.
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UK Wedgetail AEW delivery schedule slips to 2024
The UK will face a longer than expected operational gap until the reintroduction of a dedicated fixed-wing airborne early warning aircraft capability, with prime contractor Boeing Defence UK confirming a slip to the delivery schedule for its E-7A Wedgetail programme.
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General Atomics selected to design DARPA’s ‘Liberty Lifter’ seaplane
The manufacturer of unmanned air vehicles will receive nearly $8 million from the Pentagon’s research and development agency to design a heavy-lift seaplane that can operate without traditional aviation infrastructure.
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US Air Force to buy 45 additional AESA radars for F-16 upgrades
The deal worth nearly $100 million is part of the USAF’s $6 billion effort to upgrade its fleet of the ageing Lockheed Martin single-engined jets.