Alert 5

Aviation News

Category: UAV

Mojave fires the DillonAero DAP-6 gun pods

Posted on by alert5

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.

Continue reading “Mojave fires the DillonAero DAP-6 gun pods”

Posted in UAV

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

Posted on by alert5

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)

Continue reading “U.S. Marines assemble first MQ-9A Reaper for 2nd MAW”

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

Posted on by alert5

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

Continue reading “Texas Air National Guard leverages MQ-9 to combat Panhandle wildfires”

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

Posted on by alert5

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)

Continue reading “USMC will designate its Wild Weasel UAV as MQ-58B”