Aviation News
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.
Continue reading “Leidos reboots Counter-Drone System with AirShield”
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.
Continue reading “Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon System downs larger drones for the first time”
A Spitfire IXT (G-LFIX) experienced engine failure on May 6, leading to a forced landing at Pitsford Airfield near Sywell, Northants. Britain’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) published an incident report on Oct. 10 detailing the event. The aircraft carried one pilot and one passenger. Damage was sustained to the propeller and left wing, but both occupants were unharmed.
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Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Continue reading “AAIB report on Spitfire IXT, G-LFIX forced landing”
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, based at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, has received its first F-35B Lightning II jet. This event marks a significant milestone as the squadron transitions from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35B, becoming the second operational F-35 squadron on the East Coast and the first at MCAS Beaufort.
Continue reading “VMFA-533 receives F-35B Block 4 aircraft”
A Breaking Defense exclusive reveals that the partnership between American defence contractor L3Harris and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to introduce the C-390 Millennium to the U.S. Air Force has come to an end. The partnership, announced in 2022, initially planned for L3Harris to act as the prime contractor and equip the aircraft with U.S. mission systems, including a refuelling boom, creating the American KC-390.
