Gallery: Aerospace & Defense Roundup: November 18, 2021
November 19, 2021![](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2021-11/mq9dvids_0_1.jpeg?itok=fzaKgcho)
Credit: USAF
MQ-9
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SpaceX Aiming For Starship Orbital Flight Test In Jan.-Feb.
SpaceX plans about a dozen flights of its super heavy-lift, reusable Starship launch system in 2022, beginning with an orbital flight test in January or February. Credit: SpaceX
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Rocket Lab Tests Helicopter Ops For Electron Recovery
A Rocket Lab Electron rocket deployed a pair of Earth-observation satellites into orbit for BlackSky on Nov. 17, a mission that also tested helicopter operations for future midair booster recoveries. Credit: Rocket Lab
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Poland To Buy MBDA’s CAMM For Air Defense System
Poland has selected MBDA’s Common Anti-air Modular Missile as the basis for its Narew short-range air defense system requirement. Credit: MBDA
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Swiss Parliament To Probe F-35 Selection
Credit: USAF
F-35
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NATO Flies 24-Hr. Mission With RQ-4D
NATO’s Alliance Ground Surveillance Force has completed its first 24-hr.-long mission using an RQ-4D Phoenix derivative of the Northrop Grumman Global Hawk. Credit: USAF
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New PESCO Projects Eye European Airlift Needs
European airlift capability is a key focus in the latest round of projects to be undertaken through the European Union Permanent Structured Cooperation initiative. Credit: Lockheed Martin
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German Startup Begins Production Of New-Design Autogyro
German startup Fraundorfer Aeronautics has begun production of its Tensor 600X two-seat autogyro. Credit: Fraundorfer Aeronautics
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UAE Plans To Buy South Korean Air Defense System
The UAE says it plans to purchase South Korea’s Cheongung Block 2 surface-to-air missile in a deal that could be the country’s largest defense export, news reports say. Credit: Defense Acquisition Program Administration
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Aerosud Partners On Samad VTOL Cargo UAV
South African aerostructures manufacturer Aerosud aviation has signed a memorandum of understanding with UK startup Samad Aerospace for the development and manufacture of the Starling Cargo unmanned aircraft. Credit: Samad Aerospace
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Indonesia Finally Signs A400M Deal For Two Aircraft
After years of rumors, Airbus has confirmed the Indonesian Ministry of Defense has ordered two Airbus A400M transport aircraft and signed a letter of intent for four more. The contract, which includes a maintenance and training support package, takes effect in 2022. Credit: Airbus
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NASA Awards Intuitive Machines Third Lunar Lander Mission
NASA has selected Intuitive Machines for the integration, delivery and operational oversight of four science payloads to the Moon’s Reiner Gamma in 2024 using the company’s Nova-C lander under a $77.5 million fixed-price contract. Credit: NASA
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Taiwan Commissions First F-16 Mid-Life Upgrade Fighter Wing
Taiwan has commissioned the Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) into the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing. becoming the world’s first command to operate the F-16 in the “V” standard. Credit: Taiwan President's office
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Aviation Week Forecasts: Military Aircraft Market Opportunities Worth $135 Billion Over The Next Decade
This analysis is the second in a five-part series exploring Aviation Week Network’s new 2022 Military Fleet & Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul forecast. For more information on the forecast visit https://pgs.aviationweek.com/Fleet-Forecasts Credit: Panavia
Here is the latest roundup of aerospace, space, and defense news powered by Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, including news about the A400M, a VTOL Cargo UAV and F-35s.
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