General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. has announced its notification of Spain’s selection of the Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper RPA system to support the nation’s airborne surveillance and reconnaissance requirements. Continue reading
Category Archives: Military UAS
US Navy Set to Debut Enhanced MQ-8B Fire Scout
The US Navy (USN) is nearly ready to commence deployment of a radar-equipped Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial system (UAS) aboard the Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) from June 2016. Continue reading
MQ-4C Triton Completes Operational Assessment
The MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system built for the U.S. Navy by Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully completed Operational Assessment (OA). Pending final data analysis, the completion of this milestone signals the maturity of the system and paves the way for a positive Milestone C decision. Milestone C will transition Triton into low rate initial production.
Russia Unveils Anti-Tank Assault Multicopter
Russia has revealed a new concept whereby a multicopter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been adapted to the anti-tank role with the fitting of cameras and a shoulder-launched rocket system.
Wing Loong II Model on Display at Singapore
First revealed by way of an information sheet at the Beijing Aero Show in September last year, the Chengdu Wing Loong II turboprop-powered UAV is being exhibited in model form at the Singapore Airshow for the first time outside China. Continue reading
France Defends Patroller Choice
The head of the French DGA defence procurement agency has defended the selection of the Sagem Patroller for the French army’s tactical unmanned air vehicle requirement, insisting the competition was fair and did not dismiss the rival Thales Watchkeeper from the outset. Continue reading
Unmanned CBARS Tanker Air Segment Draft RFP
US Naval Air Systems Command is set to release a new draft Request for Proposal for its unmanned aerial refuelling tanker to industry later this year. Continue reading
US Navy Halts Funding for X-47B
As it reconsiders its unmanned aviation strategy, the Navy has decided to cease funding the X-47B bat-winged drone that made aviation history in recent years. The first-ever autonomous unmanned aircraft to be launched from and recovered on a carrier deck, the X-47B, is likely to run out of funding by the end of fiscal year 2016. The Navy has not requested money for the program in its fiscal year 2017 budget. Continue reading