Alliant Techsystems says that its Outrider tactical unmanned air vehicle has completed four test-flights, including its first back-to-back flights and the longest flight to date, 1h 22min. The tests, which used the new UK-built UAV Engines 801R rotary powerplant, verified the performance of the stability-augmentation system. Following design changes, the vehicle's weight has risen, but is still expected to give 2.3h endurance.
Source: Flight International
Northrop Grumman continues to seek international sales opportunities for its E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance aircraft, as it simultaneously introduces upgrades to both platforms.
Amid steady demand for existing propulsion systems, the defence unit of GE Aerospace is targeting development efforts on a series of next-generation technologies, including high-powered adaptive engines and small, low-cost solutions for uncrewed fighter jets.
Northrop Grumman has built the experimental XRQ-73 hybrid-electric flying-wing that it has been developing under a secretive US military project.
