Research Archives

Sikorsky successfully flies Rotor Blown Wing UAS

Posted on March 11, 2025 by alert5

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has successfully validated the advanced control laws for its ‘rotor blown wing’ uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in both helicopter and aeroplane modes. This innovative prototype, weighing 115 pounds (52kg) and powered by batteries, has demonstrated operational stability and manoeuvrability across all flight regimes, showcasing its potential for scaling to larger sizes with hybrid-electric propulsion.

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Hill Air Force could get a portable nuclear reactor

Posted on January 22, 2025 by alert5

Hill Air Force Base (HAFB) is being considered as a potential location for a groundbreaking energy project: a portable nuclear reactor. The project, spearheaded by Radiant Nuclear, could see the base utilising a small modular reactor as early as 2028. This development is part of a broader effort to enhance the resilience of military installations and meet ambitious carbon-free energy goals.

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South Korea unveils indigenous Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile for KF-21

Posted on January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 by alert5

South Korea has pulled back the curtain on its latest military tech development: the ‘short-range air-to-air guided missile-II’, a locally produced missile. Introduced at a recent DAPA event, this missile is destined for the KF-21 fighter, replacing imported counterparts and represents a bold step towards self-sufficiency and technological advancement in the nation’s defence sector.

Mztourist, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Taiwan abandons domestic Next-Generation Fighter Jet Program

Posted on October 9, 2024 by alert5

Taiwan is abandoning its pursuit of domestically developing a next-generation fighter jet, and will instead procure advanced aircraft from the United States, according to a report by Up Media, a Taiwanese online news outlet. This decision, reached by Defence Minister Koo Li-hsiung, marks a significant shift in Taiwan’s defence acquisition strategy and highlights the technological and financial hurdles of developing advanced weapons systems independently.

總統府, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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U.S. Air Force taps Geopressured Geothermal for base energy resilience

Posted on September 26, 2024September 26, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. Air Force is exploring geopressured geothermal systems (GGS) as a potential solution for energy resilience at its installations. In a move that could reshape base power generation, the flying branch has awarded a $1.9 million contract to Sage Geosystems for a demonstration project in Texas.

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