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.
The Navy is considering a concept demonstration of methods for deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from SSGN (Ship Submersible Guided Nuclear) submarines, according to Read Adm. Michael Sharp, program executive officer for mine and undersea warfare. The demo is on a "like-to-do" list of demonstrations that could begin as early as December, according to Sharp.
An Air Force B-52 successfully launched two AGM-154A Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOWs) at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Western Test Range Feb.8, marking the final step for the JSOW to be cleared for operational use on the B-52. The JSOW-A, which achieved initial operational capability (IOC) in January of 1999, began delivery to B-52 bases in October, according to NAVAIR spokeswoman Cathy Partusch.
After suffering programmatic setbacks in the late 1990s, the Airborne Standoff Minefield Detection System (ASTAMIDS) effort is expected to resume in fiscal year 2003, using the Army's Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV). In late 1997, Congress eliminated the $13.9 million FY '98 request, which was intended for the program's engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase, instead providing $7 million for technology base work (DAILY, Dec. 3, 1997).
