UAV Archives - Page 11 of 293

Game-changing collaboration: Kratos Defense and Shield AI unveil AI pilot for XQ-58

Posted on June 16, 2023 by alert5

Kratos and Shield AI have entered into an agreement to integrate an AI pilot developed by Shield AI into Kratos’ XQ-58 Valkyrie, marking a significant step towards crewed-uncrewed teaming for jet aircraft. This collaboration aims to address the growing challenge of electronic warfare and ensure operational effectiveness even in GPS-denied and communication-jammed environments.

U.S. Air Force Research Lab delivers Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ty Greenlees)

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First four AVPs to earn their “Wings of Gold”

Posted on May 26, 2023May 26, 2023 by alert5

In a historic moment for Naval Aviation, the first four Air Vehicle Pilots (AVPs) have successfully completed their rigorous training and earned their prestigious “Wings of Gold.” These exceptional individuals have paved the way for a new era of aviation, combining the strengths of manned and unmanned platforms.

U.S. Navy Photo by Ensign Elias Kaser
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MQ-9 has landed on a highway for the first time

Posted on May 4, 2023May 4, 2023 by alert5

In a historic exercise, the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) conducted two successful highway landings in Wyoming during Exercise Agile Chariot. The MC-130J Commando II, an MQ-9 Reaper, two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, and two MH-6 Little Birds all landed on Highways 287 and 789 on Apr. 30 and May 2, 2023, respectively.

An MQ-9 Reaper lands on Highway 287 during Exercise Agile Chariot, April 30, 2023, honing capabilities linked to Agile Combat Employment. Instead of relying on large, fixed bases and infrastructure, ACE uses smaller, more dispersed locations and teams to rapidly move and support aircraft, pilots, and other personnel to wherever they are needed. There are millions of miles of public roads in the United States, including federal, state, and local roads – with Agile Combat Employment, including Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) and Integrated Combat Turnarounds (ICT), it can become millions of miles of public runways, when necessary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carly Kavish)

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General Atomics awarded contract for Taiwan MQ-9B procurement

Posted on May 3, 2023May 3, 2023 by alert5

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, a company based in Poway, California, has secured a contract to supply Taiwan with four MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned air vehicles. The contract, which is valued at $217.6 million, also includes two Certifiable Ground Control Stations, spares, and support equipment. The work is expected to be completed by May 5, 2025, and will be performed in Poway.

210421-N-FC670-086 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 21, 2021) An MQ-9 Sea Guardian unmanned maritime surveillance aircraft system flies over the Pacific Ocean during U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem (UxS IBP) 21, April 21. UxS IBP 21 integrates manned and unmanned capabilities into challenging operational scenarios to generate warfighting advantages. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon Renfroe)

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JACKAL drone completes first missile firing

Posted on April 19, 2023 by alert5

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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