Aviation News
In a groundbreaking achievement, the Department of the Air Force-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Artificial Intelligence Accelerator (AIA) has demonstrated the real-time application of magnetic navigation (MagNav) technology on a Pentagon aircraft. This remarkable milestone marks the first successful test of this advanced navigation system on a Department of Defense aircraft.
Photo: USAF
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The U.S. Air Force has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to bring zero-emissions aviation into the military. Recently, Air Force pilots remotely flew a Joby electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at the company’s Marina, California, manufacturing facility. During the flights, the pilots assumed remote pilot-in-command responsibilities and transitioned the flight for the eVTOL. The goal was to prepare the Air Force for delivery of aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base, California. The first two Joby aircraft are expected to be delivered to Edwards in early 2024.
Photo: AFRL
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Japan’s military is currently seeking foreign assistance to develop a railgun, a weapon that uses electromagnetic forces to launch projectiles at incredibly high speeds. The technology is still in its early stages of development, but Japan sees it as an important asset for its military to counteract the threat posed by neighboring countries.
U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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A new milestone has been reached in the world of unmanned air combat as the JACKAL drone completes its first successful firing of a Thales Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM). Developed by UK-based Flyby Technology, in partnership with Turkish firms FlyBVLOS Technology and Maxwell Innovations, the JACKAL drone is designed to operate over land, sea, and air, and can perform a variety of combat missions.
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The United States Air Force (USAF) has confirmed that hypersonic missiles will not be bought in fiscal 2024. Instead, the Air Force will continue to focus on research and development of the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), which features a boost-glide hypersonic vehicle. The budget request for the upcoming fiscal year includes $150 million allocated to ARRW R&D.
Photo: USAF
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