All Defence articles – Page 116
-
In depthCan Boeing score 60-year production run with rejuvenated F-15?
With its contract to deliver a first batch of EX-version fighters to the US Air Force, Boeing can now target further international F-15 sales, and a delivery run potentially spanning 60 years.
-
In depthExport deals to keep F-16 fighting fit
In common with Boeing’s F-15, US industry’s other similar-aged fighter – the Lockheed Martin F-16 – also has enjoyed a recent orders revival, just as it had appeared to be potentially nearing a production end. Lockheed’s firm order backlog for the single-engined type stood at a combined 38 aircraft for ...
-
NewsApache takes aim at Australian attack helicopter deal
Boeing has outlined key selling points for its AH-64E Apache offering in Australia’s Project Land 4503 requirement for 29 armed reconnaissance helicopters. During a virtual media tour, TJ Jamison, Boeing’s director of vertical lift for international sales, discussed the capabilities of the AH-64E. The company also provided a cockpit demonstration ...
-
NewsBoeing Australia conducts engine start for Airpower Teaming System
Boeing Australia has conducted the first engine run for its developmental Airpower Teaming System (ATS) unmanned ‘loyal wingman’ aircraft. The work is part of ground testing pending preparations of the unmanned system’s first flight, says the company. Video: Australia’s First Loyal Wingman Completes Engine Test Boeing ...
-
NewsUSAF’s digitally engineered aircraft to receive ‘e’ prefix, starting with Boeing eT-7A
If aerospace manufacturers weren’t already motivated enough to design their latest aircraft using much-talked about “digital engineering” software programs, secretary of the US Air Force Barbara Barrett says anyone who does so will have their aircraft prefixed with the letter “e”.
-
NewsGeneral Atomics unveils ‘ultra-long endurance’ replacement for MQ-9 Reaper
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has unveiled a rendering of its next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and strike unmanned air vehicle as a proposed replacement of the US Air Force’s MQ-9A Reaper.
-
NewsGreece orders 18 Rafale fighters
Greece plans to obtain 18 Dassault Rafale fighters and upgrade 10 of its Mirage 2000s. “I am delighted with this announcement, which reinforces the exceptional relationship we have had with Greece for nearly half a century, and I thank the Greek authorities for their confidence in us once again,” says ...
-
NewsMQ-9B SeaGuardian integrated with Leonardo’s radar sniffing Sage 750
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has integrated the Leonardo Sage 750 electronic emission sensor pod onto its MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned air vehicle.
-
NewsIndia inducts Rafale amid frontier tensions
The Indian air force has inducted the Dassault Rafale fighter into its ranks at Air Force Station Ambala, as border tensions with China simmer. The aircraft will serve with the air force’s 17 Sqn, says the service’s Facebook page. Rafale Induction India ...
-
NewsAeroVironment to start making larger Switchblade ahead of military deployment
The company says the new Switchblade is aimed at the tactical missile market currently occupied by the Lockheed Martin Hellfire, Lockheed Martin/ Raytheon Javelin and Raytheon TOW missiles.
-
NewsAnduril unveils rugged Ghost 4 recon UAV with radio silent, autonomous ops
The company promises the drone is more rugged, packable and longer-flying than its predecessor. Its on-board computer, which has 32 teraops of processing power, allows the drone to use artificial intelligence programs to make decisions and identify targets autonomously.
-
In depthChina-backed Skyrizon and local partner up pressure for Motor Sich acquisition
China-backed firm Skyrizon is making a renewed push in its long-running effort to acquire Ukrainian aircraft engine manufacturer Motor Sich, with vocal support from a new local partner.
-
AnalysisAI to dogfight against real-world fighter aircraft in 2024: Pentagon
“We see AI as a tool to free up resources, time and manpower, so our people can focus on higher priority tasks and arrive at the decision point, whether in a lab or on the battlefield, faster and more precise than the competition,” says US secretary of defense Mark Esper.
-
NewsBoeing Australia progresses with AI-enabled UAVs
Boeing Australia has conducted successful experiments in which unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) have been able to detect and act upon simulated targets. Using machine learning techniques, Boeing Australia says it has been able to teach a UAV how to detect a target, make a decision, ...
-
NewsZhuhai cancellation caps disappointing year for air shows
The organiser of the biennial Airshow China event in Zhuhai has cancelled this year’s show, citing the coronavirus pandemic. “Unfortunately, Airshow China 2020 has been cancelled due to epidemic prevention and control,” says the show organiser. “See you in Zhuhai at Airshow China 2022.” Source: Greg Waldron/FlightGlobal Visitors ...
-
OpinionWill commoditised sales of the F-16 fighter work?
The Pentagon’s plan to offer a commoditised version of the Lockheed Martin F-16 could help propel the world’s best-selling fighter aircraft to new heights, but it remains to be seen if foreign customers will put aside their fondness of fancy custom features.
-
NewsUSAF conducts second, ‘more complex’ field test of Advanced Battle Management System
As part of the most recent test, US military forces simulated using ABMS to “detect and defeat efforts to disrupt US operations in space”, says the USAF. The forces also coordinated the shoot-down of a mock cruise missile using a new “hypervelocity weapon”.
-
NewsIndonesian funding issue re-emerges for KF-X
Financing has again raised its head as an issue with Jakarta’s involvement in the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-X/IF-X fighter programme. Indonesia has fallen behind on payments related to the twin-engined fighter again, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, citing sources. KF-X production Jakarta is ...
-
In depthHow Lockheed Martin plans to speed up sales with commoditised F-16
The jet is already the most popular combat aircraft in the world, with 2,280 examples in service at the end of 2019. Yet, Lockheed Martin believes it can sell even more – faster – with the help of a new base model configuration.
-
AnalysisH-6 evolves from Cold War relic to Beijing’s hammer
Beijing’s years of patient investment in the Xian H-6 bomber, a local variant of the Cold War-era Tupolev Tu-16, have created an attack asset which is of significant concern to Washington DC. If aircraft mentions are anything to go by, the Pentagon’s recent China Military Power Report suggests the flexible, ...