Jeff has been involved in aerospace journalism since the mid 1990s. Prior to joining Aviation Week, Jeff served as managing editor of Launchspace magazine and the International Space Industry Report. He has been the editor and chief of Aviation Week's Aerospace Daily & Defense Report since 2007 and has been a regular contributor to Aviation Week magazine. He received his B.A. from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
Delays with the U.S. Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program are not expected to slow the introduction of the MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), according to manufacturer Northrop Grumman. Cost growth recently spurred the Navy to issue a stop-work order to Lockheed Martin for its LCS prototype. General Dynamics also is working on a version of LCS.
MH-60S contractors Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky are in the process of integrating Northrop Grumman's first production unit of the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) on the helicopter. The system was delivered to Lockheed Martin in Owego, N.Y., in late January. A second system will be delivered this month. Following integration, the U.S. Navy will begin its own testing with the system on the MH-60S in May.
Early analysis indicates the roll problem that caused SpaceX's Falcon 1 rocket to fall short of orbit during its second demonstration flight Mar. 20 was the result of an unexpected coupling between the thrust vector control system and the sloshing of fuel in the rocket's second stage.
