Boeing has ended the scheduled flight test programme for the self-funded Phantom Ray unmanned combat air systems (UCAS) demonstrator after two sorties, although it had originally planned 10.
Monthly Archives: August 2011
Black Dart and Blue Knight
The U.S. military is heavily reliant on unmanned aircraft systems to serve as its eyes and weapons on the battlefield. But other nations have also been active in acquiring their own platforms, which raises the possibility that future warfighters may have to face a UAS-equipped opponent.
Fire Scout to Be Armed
America’s only combat casualty in Libya had no way of defending itself, when it was taken out by a heavy anti-aircraft weapon. But that’s about to change. The U.S. Navy’s Fire Scout unmanned helicopter is poised to start test-firing rockets. By the end of next year, it should be fully weaponized.
Rockwell Collins to Supply All Control Systems for US Air Force $86M Blue Devil Block 2 Airship Programme
Avionics maker Rockwell Collins reveals that it has won a broad system-level contract on the US Air Force’s $86 million Blue Devil Block 2 airship programme, the company’s first “nose to tail” command and control win in the unmanned aircraft systems sector.
UK Moves Closer to Opening Airspace to UAS
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is scheduled to publish the first draft of regulatory proposals under Part 23 standards for sense-and-avoid systems and autonomous decision-making by UAS in civil airspace.
Unmanned Systems Star at Taiwan Defence Show
Unmanned aircraft systems were a major element of this year’s Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition.
L-3 Link Simulation & Training and Sinclair Community College Develop UAS Training Capability
L-3 Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) announced that it is collaborating with Dayton, Ohio-based Sinclair Community College to educate students and industry participants in the operation and application of unmanned aircraft systems to support future global market requirements.
Skylark 1LE Adapted for US Military

M STAMP EO Payload Integrates Two Sensors - A Daylight TV and Uncooled FLIR, Plus An Integral Laser Marker. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense Update
UAS Dynamics – a joint venture between Elbit Systems and General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products – has enhanced the performance, mission capabilities and operability of the Skylark 1LE mini UAS.
