Podcast: Talking Malice, F/A‑XX & Naval Aviation Modernization
Editors talk Tailhook, covering the Navy's surprise unveiling of Malice, a new long-range air-to-air missile, future carrier deck operations, the use of uncrewed aircraft, hypersonic weapons and more.
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AI-Generated Summary
This episode discusses the Navy’s evolving carrier air wing and several new weapons and uncrewed systems that could shape its future. A major theme is the surprise public unveiling of the AIM-424 Malice, a very-long-range air-to-air missile already in flight test on the F-18. The conversation places it alongside other programs such as AIM-260 and AIM-174B, showing how the Navy is pushing for greater standoff range to stay ahead of advanced threats. The hosts also explore what is known so far about Malice’s size, carriage and likely seeker approach, while noting how little has been officially revealed.
The episode then turns to the Navy’s MACE program and its connection to hypersonic weapons development. From there, the discussion shifts to carrier design and operations, including the White House's request to study bringing steam catapults back to the Ford class and the ongoing uncertainty around the F/A-XX program.
The hosts also consider how the Navy may incorporate collaborative combat aircraft and other uncrewed systems onto future carrier decks, moving away from earlier fixed uncrewed targets in favor of a more flexible approach. MQ-25 is another important topic, with carrier flight testing expected next year and a possible operational role beyond tanking. The episode closes with an update on the trainer competition and the narrowing field of contenders.
Key Topics:
- Tailhook takeaways and Navy aviation updates
- The AIM-424 Malice missile reveal
- Long-range air-to-air weapon development
- MACE and hypersonic missile plans
- Steam catapults and the Ford class
- Future carrier deck operations and uncrewed systems
- MQ-25 and the trainer competition
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