Author Archives: The Editor

Ukraine’s New Mirage 2000-5 Fighters – An F-16 Pilot’s View

Ukraine has received Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from France – but how will they impact the war? These aircraft bring new air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, forcing Russia to rethink its strategy. While Mirage 2000-5 is not the newest fighter, it offers advanced radar, modern avionics, and upgraded weapons that make it a valuable asset for Ukraine’s Air Force. Continue reading →

Ascent AeroSystems Introduces HELIUS Coaxial Nano UAV

– Ascent AeroSystems has introduced HELIUS, the company’s first entry into the sub-250g UAV sector. Debuted at VERTICON (formerly HAI Heli-Expo), in Dallas, Texas, HELIUS is designed to be an affordable AI-enabled, American-Made, NDAA-compliant option for law enforcement, emergency response, government, and industrial enterprise operators looking to upgrade or replace other systems. Continue reading →

Sikorsky Flies Rotor Blown Wing UAS in Helicopter and Airplane Modes

– Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has successfully validated the advanced control laws to successfully fly a ‘rotor blown wing’ uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in both helicopter and airplane modes. Powered by batteries, the 115 pounds (52kg) twin prop-rotor prototype has demonstrated operational stability and maneuverability across all flight regimes, and the potential to scale the unique vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) design to larger sizes requiring hybrid-electric propulsion. Continue reading →