Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots have begun intensive training with the Royal Air Force (RAF) on the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. This collaboration marks a crucial phase in the RCAF’s transition to the advanced platform, replacing the aging CP-140 Aurora fleet. The training is taking place at RAF Lossiemouth, a key hub for Britain’s Poseidon operations.
A new device aimed at preventing potentially life-threatening emergencies for pilots has been certified for use by the U.S. Air Force, marking a significant leap in aircrew safety. The SPYDR device has been certified as safe for use on select aircraft by the service, following an extensive test and evaluation process. The device, developed by Spotlight Labs, is a small earcup equipped with integrated sensors that monitor blood oxygen and heart rate by resting on an artery beneath the ear. This real-time monitoring capability aims to provide early warnings of potentially dangerous physiological events (PEs) before they escalate into emergencies for pilots and other aircrew.
Inflight physiologic monitoring systems light up and prepare to collect physiological data in flight with the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, August 6, 2024. The human performance testing focused on analyzing the effects of long duration flights on aircrew performance, gathering real-time data directly from pilots before, during and after flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Rebecca Abordo)
An unmanned aircraft has crashed at the Jingzhou Olympic Sports Centre in Hubei province while undergoing tests. The incident, which occurred around 11:10 local time on Dec. 12, was first reported via WeChat by the Hubei Jingzhou Economic Development Zone. Images circulating on Chinese social media depict the aftermath, showing a large drone engulfed in flames. One person was reported to be injured in the crash and is currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
The four-nation Eurofighter consortium are betting on BAE Systems to produce the world’s most advanced fighter pilot helmet for their fighter. The consortium, which manages the development, production and sustainment of the Eurofighter Typhoon for the air forces of Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, awarded BAE Systems a £133 million contract to further develop its Striker II Helmet Mounted-Display (HMD). The award follows an initial £40 million investment by the UK Ministry of Defence in September 2023 to begin flight trials.
In a major boost for Guam’s missile defense posture, the Aegis Guam System successfully intercepted a ballistic missile target off the coast of Andersen Air Force Base. This event, officially designated as Flight Experiment Mission-02 (FEM-02), marks the first time a ballistic missile defense operation has been executed from Guam, and involved collaboration between the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and several other U.S. Department of Defense partners.