Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Jun. 01

BAE Systems Tests Ground-Launched APKWS

Credit: BAE SystemsBAE Systems says it has demonstrated a ground-launched capability for its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guided rockets. The company undertook several demonstration firings in conjunction with rocket launcher manufacturer Arnold Defense, which developed the Fletcher family of launchers that can be fitted to ground vehicles.

USMC Seeks Single-Operator Counter-UAS System

The Liteye Counter-UAS system Credit: Liteye SystemsThe U.S. Marine Corps is gauging industry interest in manufacturing technology to detect or intercept unmanned aircraft, with plans to purchase six to 10 systems.

Lawmakers: Demo-2 Success Could Fuel NASA’s Lunar Initiative

Demo-2 liftoff Credit: Carleton BailieTwo Republican lawmakers from Texas believe the successful SpaceX Demo-2 mission will increase congressional support for boosting NASA’s fiscal 2021 spending to help achieve the goal of a 2024 lunar return with astronauts.

Egypt Looking To Italy For Sizable Defense Buy

Typhoon Credit: BAE SystemsEgypt maybe close to placing a multi-billion-euro defense equipment order with Italy that would include Eurofighter Typhoon fighters.

Hurley, Behnken Praise Demo-2 Launch Experience

Credit: NASA“Things worked exactly the way we expected them to work. It’s a pretty awe-inspiring trip so far, pretty humbling,” Hurley told Benjamin Reed, SpaceX’s Commercial Crew Program manager in a brief exchange.

Germany Plans Paveway, Brimstone For EuroDrone

EuroMALE Credit: Dassault AviationGermany is looking to arm its future fleet of EuroDrone unmanned aircraft systems with MBDA Brimstone air-to-ground missiles and Enhanced Paveway guided bombs, officials have stated.

Beta, Joby Sign Agility Prime Prototyping Contracts

Burlington, Vermont-based Beta Technologies has rolled out its Alia-250 eVTOL Credit: Beta TechnologiesBeta Technologies and Joby Aviation are the first developers of urban air mobility vehicles to progress to the third stage of the U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime program. Agility Prime aims to support the emerging electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) industry by helping accelerate commercial certification and providing potential early procurement opportunities.