Lockheed Martin Gets $150M Integrated High Energy Laser Weapon Systems US Navy Contract

The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a $150 million contract, with options worth up to $942.8 million, for the development, manufacture and delivery of two high power laser weapon systems, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and counter-Unmanned Aerial System (counter-UAS) capabilities, by fiscal year 2020. Continue reading

China Prepares Improved CH-4

China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA), the flight technology development arm of defence prime China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), is developing a new and more capable variant of its strike-capable Cai Hong 4 (Rainbow 4, or CH-4) medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) under the designation of CH-4C. Continue reading

Leonardo Solo Optionally Piloted Helicopter Performs First Unmanned Flight

Leonardo announced that the SW-4 Solo optionally piloted helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight with no safety pilot onboard at Taranto-Grottaglie Airport (Southern Italy). The aircraft flew for 45 minutes and all systems performed as expected with excellent controllability and handling qualities. Continue reading