Second B-21 Under Construction
The first B-21 Raider bomber is expected to roll out early next year and fly in the middle of 2022. The production of the second B-21 stealth bomber is already underway at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Palmdale, Calif.,
Loyal Wingman Prototype Rolls Out in Australia
The unmanned Loyal Wingman aircraft was unveiled in Australia yesterday. The aircraft is the first of three prototypes built under the Australian Loyal Wingman program. The Loyal Wingman prototype now moves into ground testing, followed by taxi and a first flight later this year.
F-16 Downs a Cruise Missile with APKWS
The US Air Force successfully demonstrated the intercept of an aerial target using the AGR-20A Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rocket. This proof of concept can have implications for homeland defense missions, Combined Defense of the Arabian Gulf.
Agreement to buy 478 F-35 Sets F-35A Unit Price Below $80 Million Target
The F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin finalized a $34 billion agreement for the production and delivery of 478 F-35s in three models, at the lowest aircraft price during the history of the Program.
S70 Okhotnik Flies MUM-T with Su-57
Sukhoi and the Russian Ministry of Defense have flown the S-70 Okhotnik unmanned aerial vehicle with Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft for the first time. The flight that laster 30 minutes as part of the ongoing test program. On this flight, Okhotnik flew with a full avionics configuration in an automated mode.
Russian Air Force Implements Battle-Forged Lessons
Lessons learned through ongoing military operations in Syria are shaping operational concepts, tactics, and technologies employed by the Russian military, and specifically by the Air Force and Naval Aviation.
Russian Okhotnik-B Combat Drone (UCAV) Makes its First Flight
The Russian Su-70 Okhotnik-B (Hunter) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, has made its maiden flight on Saturday, August 3rd. 2019. The news released by the Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday, according to Russian Tass news agency. No photos were released at the time of publication. According to a Russian Ministry of Defense release, "The...
First Flight of the Valkyrie – a Step Closer to Manned-Unmanned Flying Formations
The stealthy Valkyrie is a long-range, high subsonic unmanned air vehicle designed to operate autonomously or in cooperation with manned aircraft as part of the Air Forces' 'Loyal Wingman' concept.
A Locally Developed ‘Loyal Wingman’ to Fly in Australia by 2020
Boeing has introduced today its newest unmanned platform, the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS), designed to extend airborne missions through smart teaming with existing, manned military aircraft. Designed and built by Boeing Australia, the ATS represents Boeing's largest investment in a new unmanned aircraft program outside the United States. The Australian government allocated $40 million in support of the program and considers to include the new platform as part the RAAF '5th GEN Air Force' modernization under 'Plan Jericho'
New Nozzle Transforms J-10B into a Super Maneuverable Fighter
Among the new systems displayed at AirshowChina this year the J-10B TVC testbed stood out with its new thrust vectoring nozzle (TVC), empowering the Chinese average fighter with a level of ‘super maneuverability’ seen only with much powerful and advanced Su-27/30 class aircraft.
New Contract Brings F-35A Price Below US$90 Million
The U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin have finalized an $11.5 billion contract for the production and delivery of 141 F-35 aircraft at the lowest per aircraft price in program history. The 11th Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP 11) agreement funds 91 aircraft for the U.S. Services, 28 for F-35 International Partners and 22 for F-35 Foreign Military Sales customers. Deliveries will begin in 2019.
Boeing, Saab to Build the US Air Force’s Future Trainer
The U.S. Air Force plans to replace its pilot trainers, with an integrated system comprising modern trainer jet and flight simulators. The Air Force announced yesterday the awarded of a $9.2 billion contract to the Boeing Company, to develop and deliver 351 T-X aircraft, 46 simulators, and associated ground equipment to replace the Air Education and Training Command's 57-year-old fleet of T-38C Talons.
London Set to Develop a New Fighter for the 2030s
UK Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson unveiled today a concept model of a brand new next-generation combat aircraft being developed exclusively in the UK. The Tempest, as the futuristic fighter plane is called, could be ready for operations with the Royal Air Force in less than two decades, as the first Typhoons begin to be phased out of service.
Stealth Fighters Arrive in Britain Two Months Ahead of Schedule
The first of Britain’s next-generation fighter jets have arrived home two months ahead of schedule in a major milestone for the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. The first of Britain’s new cutting-edge aircraft arrived into RAF Marham their new home in Norfolk. This was the first tranche of F-35s to arrive, with RAF Voyager aircraft providing air-to-air refuels on their trans-Atlantic journey. More jets are due in Britain later this year, and there is an overall plan to procure 138.