All articles by Ryan Finnerty – Page 7
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NewsEmbraer Super Tucanos join USAF test fleet
Three Embraer A-29 Super Tucanos have arrived at the US Air Force’s test pilot school in the California desert, where they will be used to conduct training and research on a variety of sensors and weapon systems.
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NewsLockheed names new head of F-35 programme
Lockheed’s current deputy F-35 manager Chauncey McIntosh will take over as head of the troubled fighter programme, which is the company’s largest individual revenue generator, but has battled engineering and delivery challenges for more than year.
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NewsUS Army exploring replacement for Airbus UH-72 as helicopter trainer
The US Army is seeking proposals from industry to reduce costs and increase efficiency in training new rotary-wing aviation, including replacing the militarised Airbus Helicopters H145s currently used for initial flight certification.
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NewsItaly approved for purchase of EA-37B electronic attack mission systems
US export regulators have approved Rome to purchase sensitive mission systems for the Gulfstream G550-derived EA-37B electronic attack jet, in a deal valued at $680 million.
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In depthCan the US Air Force actually make its disposable fighter jets at an affordable price?
The service is betting much of its future on developing and fielding large numbers of so-called “attritable” combat jets that cost a fraction of traditional fighter aircraft. But can that goal actually be achieved?
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NewsLeidos to test launching cruise missiles from AC-130 gunships
The US defence technology firm is preparing to test its Black Arrow small cruise missile, designed to be an affordable long-range munition that can be launched from cargo aircraft.
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NewsUS Navy affirms commitment to fielding sixth-generation fighter
While the US Air Force is walking back its commitment to developing a manned sixth-generation combat fighter, the navy’s top officer says her service remains committed to fielding a new aircraft under its F/A-XX programme.
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NewsUS Army placing ‘many bets’ on new uncrewed systems
The US Army is rolling out a diverse range of uncrewed aerial systems for combat units small and large, with the goal of testing the wide variety of platforms currently available.
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NewsSkydweller Aero completes tests of ultra-long-endurance solar aircraft
The Oklahoma-headquartered firm on 30 September said the Skydweller UAS successfully conducted a series of autonomous long-duration flights in recent weeks, including one sortie lasting 22h 30min and another spanning 16h.
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NewsPentagon pressing ahead with F-35 engine upgrade
The US Department of Defense is affirming its commitment to delivering an engine upgrade for the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter, with a recent $1.3 billion contract to propulsion supplier Pratt & Whitney to fund continued development of the initiative.
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NewsRussian Su-35 nearly collides with US F-16 during Alaska intercept
In a move being decried as unsafe and unprofessional by the Pentagon, a Russian air force Su-35 fighter passed dangerously close to a US Air Force F-16 whilst the American jet was shadowing a Russian long-range bomber off the coast of Alaska.
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NewsUS Army’s Pacific combat troops already training on FLRAA tiltrotor
Infantry and aviation soldiers from the Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division are drilling on a mock-up of Bell’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft tiltrotor to help test cabin design and ergonomics for the aircraft, whose primary role will be ferrying assault troops into battle.
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In depthCould the US Air Force restore electronic attack fighter capability?
The US Air Force has not operated a dedicated offensive electronic-attack fighter since 1998 when the service retired its EF-111 Ravens, but service leaders now appear to be embracing electronic warfare as a central aspect of modern air combat operations.
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NewsUS Marine Corps completes third XQ-58 test flight
The US Marine Corps’ third test flight of the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie autonomous jet saw the successful integration of the Link 16 data communications system that will be critical to the effective deployment of uncrewed fighters.
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NewsUS Air Force to retire final KC-10 tanker
After more than 40 years of service, the US Air Force is retiring its final Boeing KC-10 Extender aerial refueller, which is being replaced by the newer Boeing KC-46 Pegasus.
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In depthHoneywell targets 2027 for delivering F-35 power and thermal upgrade
The Pentagon has not decided how to address the long-term need for more power and cooling capacity aboard the advanced Lockheed Martin fighter jet, but the manufacturer of the current Power and Thermal Management System aims to have an upgrade ready around the time Pratt & Whitney starts rolling out an engine upgrade.
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NewsL3Harris exploring maritime variant of Vampire drone defence system
The truck-mounted Vampire guided-rocket system was one of the first counter-UAS weapons provided to Ukraine by the Pentagon, and may soon see active service aboard ships.
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NewsL3Harris exploring intelligence and crisis-response roles for Armed Overwatch turboprop
Amid criticism from government auditors, the US Special Operations Command and contracter L3Harris are expanding the potential capabilities of the new OA-1K close-air support turboprop to include more intelligence collection and electronic warfare.
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NewsUSAF’s first autonomous combat jets will act as air-to-air ‘missile trucks’ for crewed fighters
The first batch of autonomous “Collaborative Combat Aircraft” being developed for the US Air Force will primarily be tasked with carrying extra precision munitions aloft, with other combat functions coming in subsequent designs.
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InterviewHow Stephanie Goetz is making headlines after switching the news desk for business jet cockpit
The thrill of flying led Stephanie Goetz to leave a successful career in broadcasting. She now pilots Global-series business jets, while also championing breast cancer awareness using a unique L-39.