Aviation News
In a significant leap for naval aviation, the Gray Eagle STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) unmanned aircraft successfully completed its first flight from a South Korean warship to a land base on 12 November 2024. The event, which took place off the coast of Pohang, South Korea, underscores the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern naval operations.
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Leidos is taking its counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) technology to a new level, introducing AirShield as the latest iteration of its proven system. The company says the new name signifies the system’s expanded capabilities, designed to meet the ever-evolving threat posed by drones.
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Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS) has engaged and neutralized Group 3 Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UASs) for the first time. This is a significant development in counter-drone technology as Group 3 UASs, which can weigh up to 1,320 pounds, present a greater threat due to their capacity to carry heavier and more sophisticated payloads. The successful demonstration took place at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center in Saudi Arabia, where the CLWS, equipped with a 5-kilowatt laser, effectively neutralized the Group 3 drones.
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Dassault Aviation has announced the launch of a new unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) programme as part of the future Rafale F5 standard. The announcement was made by Sébastien Lecornu, French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, on Oct. 8 during a ceremony at the Saint-Dizier air base to mark the 60th anniversary of the French Strategic Air Forces (FAS). The event also marked the 90th anniversary of the French Air and Space Force.
Photo: Dassault
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The Royal Navy’s 700X Naval Air Squadron, a specialist unit dedicated to operating uncrewed aerial systems, is celebrating its fifth anniversary. The squadron, based at RNAS Culdrose, has played a pivotal role in advancing the Royal Navy’s drone capabilities since its establishment. The squadron’s creation was inspired by Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the then-First Sea Lord, who envisioned drones operating alongside traditional naval aircraft like helicopters and jets.
Photo: Royal Navy
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