The US Army is to select an unmanned air vehicle next month for the extended-range/multipurpose mission, a surveillance task with an optional armed requirement. Two UAVs have completed demonstrations at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, with AAI and Sparta, flew the Predator B-based Warrior UAV. Northrop Grumman and Israel Aircraft Industries tested the Heron-derived Hunter II.
Source: Flight International
Northrop Grumman continues to chase 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.
