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Aviation News

Category: UAV

Mojave fires the DillonAero DAP-6 gun pods

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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently released details of a successful live-fire demonstration involving its Mojave unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Conducted on Apr. 13th, at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, the test validated the Mojave’s weaponization capabilities and underscored its potential as a multi-mission tactical asset.

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U.S. Marines assemble first MQ-9A Reaper for 2nd MAW

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U.S. Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Training Squadron (VMUT)-2 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, has began assembly of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s (MAW) first MQ-9A on Apr. 10th.

U.S. Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Training Squadron (VMUT) 2 conduct familiarization training with an MQ-9A Reaper unmanned aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, April 11, 2024. Marines with VMUT-2 worked alongside civilian contractors to conduct familiarization training with VMUT-2’s first delivered and assembled MQ-9A Reaper unmanned aircraft. VMUT-2 will serve as the Marine Corps MQ-9A Reaper Fleet Replacement Squadron, whose primary mission is to train 7318 unmanned aerial systems officers and 8022 enlisted sensor operators. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

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Texas Air National Guard leverages MQ-9 to combat Panhandle wildfires

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The Texas Air National Guard deployed an MQ-9 unmanned aerial system (UAS) in March 2024 to assist firefighting efforts in the Texas Panhandle, according to a press release issued by the 147th Attack Wing.

An MQ-9 unmanned aerial system crew prepare to launch the aircraft at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, Texas, March 9, 2024. The 147th deployed an MQ-9 in support of the Smokehouse Creek Fire in northern Texas, providing real time video to civilian agencies and local firefighters.

Photo By: Sean Cowher

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USMC will designate its Wild Weasel UAV as MQ-58B

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Kratos Defense & Security Solutions announced the successful completion of the first phase of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer – Portfolio (PAACK-P) program. The accomplishment comes after a live flight test at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where the Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) effectively collaborated with F-35 aircraft and demonstrated its electronic attack (EA) capabilities.

A U.S. Marine Corps XQ-58A Valkyrie, highly autonomous, low-cost tactical unmanned air vehicle, conducts its second test flight with two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to 33rd Fighter Wing, 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Feb. 23, 2023. The XQ-58A Valkyrie test flight and the data collected inform future requirements for the Marine Corps in a rapidly evolving security environment, while successfully fueling joint innovation and experimentation opportunities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John McRell)

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