German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall is poised to secure up to $9 billion in a massive contract from the German Armed Forces for its Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft gun system, with deliveries expected by 2035. Continue reading
Stop Saying ‘Uncrewed’ Vehicles
Following a November 2022 Pentagon report on China’s military build-up that used the term “uncrewed aerial systems,” the “uncrewed” adjective has become an increasingly fashionable alternative to the previously dominant “unmanned” descriptor. Continue reading
US Marines Fly MQ-9 Reaper with SkyTower II and RDESS/SOAR Pods
The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced the first flight of an MQ-9A Reaper, assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (UX) 24, equipped with the SkyTower II and RDESS/SOAR pods. The Command defined this as a critical step toward Initial Operational Capability (IOC) later this year. Continue reading
Piasecki Aircraft Unveils KARGO II: Next-Generation Autonomous VTOL
– Piasecki Aircraft Corporation has announced the next evolution in autonomous VTOL logistics: KARGO II, a new larger-capacity version of the KARGO UAV medium-lift unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) acquired from Kaman Air Vehicles in April 2025. Continue reading
US Air Force Lost $13M Reaper in Mediterranean After Propeller Fell Off
An MQ-9 Reaper drone plunged into the Mediterranean Sea last winter after its propeller suddenly detached, a recently released Air Force investigation concluded. Continue reading
Drones Boost Grid Reliability with Faster Inspection of 400 Miles of Power Lines
– Consumers Energy has expanded its use of drone technology across the electric grid by doubling its fleet in the past 2 years reinforcing its commitment to delivering reliable, safe and affordable service. By enhancing inspection speed and accessibility, drones enable the early detection and resolution of potential issues—particularly in areas where traditional inspections are difficult—helping to prevent service disruptions and improve customer experience. Continue reading
RTX Turns Cold War MANPAD into Modern Air-to-Air Weapon for Helicopters and Drones
Raytheon’s latest Air-to-Air Stinger launchers show how a 1980s shoulder-fired missile has evolved into a potent aircraft weapon. Integrated with helicopters and drones, the system adds new targeting, seeker upgrades, and all-weather capability, keeping the Stinger relevant in modern aerial combat and counter-UAS missions. Continue reading
Kawanishi N1K – the Plane that was Supposed to Win WW2
Pilot Kaneyoshi Muto was surrounded by a dozen American F6F Hellcats. The Americans closed in, confident of an easy victory. But as their guns opened, the wings on Muto’s aircraft appeared to transform. Suddenly, the aircraft snapped into a blinding, high-G turn. Continue reading