JANUARY 2022 news

Defense Aviation and Aerospace Industry


 

Collins Aerospace completes Air Launched Effects demonstration for U.S. Army Future Vertical Lift program

Collins Aerospace has successfully demonstrated a ready-now Mission Systems solution to support the operations of Air Launched Effects (ALE) from Army Aviation’s Enduring and Future Vertical Lift (FVL) fleet. Comprised of an air vehicle, multiple payloads, and a Mission System, these ALE are a crucial piece of the FVL aircraft’s ability to extend the organic reach, lethality, and survivability of manned platforms with Operator-on-the-Loop autonomy.

Lockheed Martin delivers first F-16 from Greenville depot sustainment Program

Lockheed Martin announced it has delivered the first F-16 jet as part of the F-16 Sustainment Depot program back to the U.S. Air Force.

Hypersonix and Kratos sign agreement to develop and fly DART AE hypersonic drone

Hypersonix Launch Systems Ltd. and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. have signed an agreement to launch the DART AE multi-mission hypersonic drone technology demonstrator. In the Hypersonix Kratos Team’s submission to the Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) Grants Program 2, the Team is planning for a launch and initial demonstration flight of the DART AE Hypersonic Drone System in 2023.

US Air Force tests new vehicle drop

The Side by Vehicle (SXV) is the newest Search and Rescue Tactical Vehicle added to the 347th Rescue Group’s arsenal, bringing more firepower and range than other models. Although the 38th Rescue Squadron has been integrating the SXV into ground combat training scenarios, this was the first time they teamed up with the 71st RQS for an aerial delivery of an SXV, Jan. 20.

Russian KUB-E kamikaze drone to be exported

Russian authorities have granted the Kalashnikov Group permission to export its KUB-E kamikaze drone.

ideaForge delivers Switch UAVs to Indian Army and wins additional contract

Back in November 2021, the occasion of Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi handing over ideaForge’s High Altitude SWITCH UAV to the Indian Army marked the on-time execution of the first high-value drone contract received by an Indian firm. ideaForge received the $20 Million contract after clearing tough field evaluations. This was the first time the Indian Defense Forces entrusted an Indian company to deliver an indigenous high tech product in a short span of time. Despite the severe challenges posed by the pandemic related disruptions, ideaForge proved its resilience by pulling through and delivering in time, without needing extensions.

Top Aces completes first flight of its F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighter

Top Aces Corp., a leading provider of advanced adversary training,  announced on January 19 the successful initial test flight of its F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighter (F-16 AAF) equipped with its proprietary Advanced Aggressor Mission System (AAMS). This sophisticated technology enables Top Aces’ aircraft to replicate the most advanced capabilities of contemporary air-to-air combat opponents. With the completion of the first test flight, the F-16 AAF will now execute a series of robust operational test activities in preparation for its entry into service with the United States Air Force.

Air regiment in west Russia receives four advanced Su-30SM2 fighters

An air regiment based in the Kaliningrad Region in west Russia has received four advanced Sukhoi Su-30SM2 (NATO reporting name: Flanker-H) fighter jets, the Western Military District’s press office said.

Mountain Home US Air Force Base adds Robodog to Security Forces

The US Mountain Home Air Force base introduces their first Security Robodog, “King.”  King is considered an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) designed by GhostRobotics and RealNetworks. Robodogs were designed to limit live personnel in compromised environments to enhance safety by using various camera systems and technologies. Through an encrypted cellular network and an android tablet, King can conduct security checks or even perform reconnaissance without an Airman’s life being at risk. That’s just the surface of all the capabilities King can do.

US Air Force and Israeli Air Force train during Desert Falcon Exercise

During the second week of January, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) hosted the U.S. Air Forces Central (AFCENT) at Uvda AFB for the “Desert Falcon” joint exercise.

Royal Australian Air Force in Guam for Exercise Cope North 2022

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will deploy aircraft and personnel to Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands to conduct Exercise Cope North 2022 with the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Koku-Jieitai) from 2 to 18 February 2022.

US Special Operations Command awards Anduril Industries a $1B counter-drone contract

The US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has awarded Anduril Industries a 10-year, $1 billion counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) integration contract.

Bell completes first CV-22 Osprey nacelle upgrade

Bell, a Textron Inc. company, has completed the first Nacelle Improvements Modification on an Air Force CV-22 Osprey. The aircraft is part of an ongoing upgrade by Bell and Boeing to improve the wiring components within the nacelles and to change the structure in order to improve maintainability. The Osprey returned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base on Dec. 13, 2021.

Spain greenlights Eurodrone program

On January 25, the Spanish Council of Ministers has made budgetary approval for the EUROMALE RPAS (Eurodrone) program. The country officially joins its partners France, Germany, and Italy, which have already signed off on their involvement in developing the European UAV.

Elroy Air unveils Chaparral autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL cargo aircraft

Elroy Air, the company developing the first end-to-end autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aerial cargo system, unveiled its pre-production Chaparral aircraft today. The Chaparral can autonomously pick up 300-500 lbs of cargo and deliver it by air up to 300 miles, a capability that pushes beyond the limited payload capabilities of delivery drones and the airport infrastructure required of piloted air cargo options available today.

Australia opens Hypersonic Research Precinct

On January 25, the Australian Minister for Defence the Hon Peter Dutton MP unveiled the $14 million Precinct which provides a location for Defence, industry, universities and international partners to advance our understanding and use of hypersonic technology through flight test vehicles.

Airbus C295 technology demonstrator of Clean Sky 2 makes its maiden flight

The Airbus C295 Flight Test Bed 2 (FTB2) has successfully performed its maiden flight from the Final Assembly Line in Seville. The aircraft now starts a flight campaign with the aim of testing the new semi-morphing wing, the new affordable flight control system, as well as a SatCom antenna embedded within the aircraft’s fuselage.

Brazilian Air Force tests E-LynX airborne software defined radio

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and AEL Sistemas, Elbit Systems’ Brazilian subsidiary, the prime contractor of the Brazilian Link-BR2 strategic program, concluded successful series of flight tests for the integration of E-LynX Airborne Software Defined Radio onboard two F-5M aircraft.

Saudi Arabia receives its first CH-47F Chinook helicopters

At least the first four Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters have been recently delivered to Saudi Arabia.

US approves foreign military sale of 12 C-130J-30 Super Hercules to Egypt

The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Egypt of C-130J-30 Super Hercules Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.2 billion.

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