Category Archives: Military UAS

USAF Changes Medical Standards for RPA pilots

A remotely piloted aircraft student pilot, operates an MQ-9 flight simulator for training at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Dec. 10, 2019. The 49th Wing is the largest formal training unit for MQ-9 RPA pilots and sensor operators

The US Air Force has approved changes to medical standards for remotely piloted aircraft pilots, which went into effect February 28. Continue reading

Germany Extends Heron Lease for $41 M

The budget committee of the Bundestag, the German parliament, approved more than EUR36 million to ensure the continued operation of the System für die Abbildende Aufklärung in der Tiefe des EinsatzGebietes (Image Intelligence Deep in the Deployment Area, SAATEG) in Afghanistan using Heron 1 unmanned aerial systems leased from Israel until the end of May 2021. Continue reading

Evolution of UAVs Employed by Houthi Forces in Yemen

Houthi-produced UAVs on display at an exhibition in Sanaa, Yemen, 7 July 2019

In July 2019, Houthi forces unveiled a collection of UAVs, which they claimed to have manufactured domestically. Eight types of Houthi-manufactured UAV have been identified in media reporting: Hudhed-1, Raqib, Rased and Sammad-1 (Reconnaissance UAVs – although the Sammad-1 can be weaponised), and Qasef-1, Qasef-2K, Sammad-2 and Sammad-3 (Combat UAVs).

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GA-ASI Reveals MQ-25 Defender Armed Aerial Tanker

General Atomics has revealed what appears to be a previously unknown unmanned aircraft concept, called Defender, that is capable of air-to-air combat and mid-air refueling. The company says that its primary mission would be to protect “high-value airborne assets,” such as airborne early warning and control aircraft, standoff reconnaissance planes, and aerial refuelling tankers. Continue reading