Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation is being awarded a $17,098,027 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Rapid Deployment Capability Weaponization Program in support of the Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle MQ-8B Fire Scout System. Continue reading
US Military Struggles to Find Helium for Aerostats in Afghanistan
The US military is sending so many surveillance aerostats to Afghanistan that industry is scrambling to supply helium and “cannot keep up with the increased demand” for the containers that hold the gas. Continue reading
Azerbaijani Armed Forces to Receive 60 New UAS by End of 2011
Aerostar - Photo: Aeronautics Defense Systems
The Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan will take delivery of 60 license-built tactical unmanned aircraft by the end of 2011.
K-Max Quick Reaction Assessment Video
Lockheed Martin/Kaman Aerospace has released this video of the coaxial-rotor K-Max successfully completing its quick reaction assessment – the last step in a roughly eight-month competition phase.
The five-day assessment will help to determine whether the K-Max unmanned helicopter will be selected for a six-month deployment to Afghanistan.
Source: YouTube
Fire-X at Yuma Proving Ground
Luis Avila, senior flight mechanic, prepares the Fire-X unmanned aerial system for a recent test at YPG (Photo by Mark Schauer)
The MQ-8B Fire Scout was the first UAS to land on a moving ship without being controlled by a ground-based operator and, five years later, a new version of the platform dubbed the Fire-X is currently undergoing test at YPG. Continue reading
SAAB Announces Laser Rangefinder
Saab Defence of Sweden unveils the HEIMDALL laser rangefinder that incorporates diode-pumped erbium technology, which facilitates its use on remote weapons stations, unmanned aircraft, border surveillance systems, airport landing strips and on fire control systems. Continue reading
Micronetics Gets $1.5M Contract for Microwave High Power Switches
Micronetics, Inc. announced that it has been awarded a contract valued at approximately $1.5M from a leading defence contractor for microwave high power switches that will be used in an air surveillance radar system. Continue reading
Wireless Power Beaming Company LaserMotive, Inc. Gets Investment from Space Angels
Wireless Power Beaming Company LaserMotive, Inc. of Kent, Washington has secured investment funds from Space Angels Network, a national network of seed‐and early‐stage investors focused on aerospace‐related ventures, led by Brad Fleury, a Space Angels Network member and Director of Edge Consulting. Continue reading