The US Air Force is trying to ascertain how best to formulate its future unmanned aircraft fleet so that it could operate inside contested airspace while also maintaining its ability continue the USA’s aerial campaign against various terrorist groups around the world. Continue reading
Category Archives: Military UAS
US Trains Philippines on Navy UAS
US troops recently trained their Philippine counterparts how to use surveillance UAS, as Manila seeks to boost military ties with Washington and counter what it perceives as a rising security threat from China. Continue reading
Poland Joins NATO Global Hawk Programme
Poland is set to become the 15th nation to join the consortium of NATO nations procuring a fleet of five radar-equipped RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 aircraft and associated ground control equipment under the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance programme, according to a NATO official. Continue reading
Details of French $1.5 Billion Reaper Order
France has formally requested to buy 16 General-Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from the U.S., a sale that could top US$1.5 billion. Continue reading
Single Predator Airframe Exceeds 20,000 Flight Hours
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI)has announced that a U.S. Air Force (USAF) Predator RPA has reached a record 20,000 flight hours on a single aircraft, the highest flight time of any USAF Predator. Continue reading
Thales Watchkeeper UAS Gets French Markings
Thales is hoping that its offer of the Watchkeeper tactical unmanned air system could take off with the French army, with the company exhibiting a full-size model of the reconnaissance asset sporting the service’s markings at the Paris Air Show. Continue reading
General Atomics to Develop Predator B Variant to Meet NATO/European Airworthiness Standards
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI) announced that it is undertaking an Independent Research and Development (IRAD) effort to develop a variant of its Predator B RPA that is fully compliant with the airworthiness requirements of the U.S. Air Force and anticipated NATO foreign customers, as well as offers enhanced capabilities for integration into domestic and international airspace.
Third Predator C Avenger Rolls Off Production Line
The third Predator C Avenger jet-powered remotely piloted aircraft to come off of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ production line in southern California is scheduled to begin flight testing in July, said Frank Pace, President of the company’s Aircraft Systems Group. Continue reading