U.S. Air Force (USAF)

Hermeus has selected Anduril to provide the mission autonomy software for its Quarterhorse aircraft, the two companies announced Sept. 3.

The U.S. Air Force has restarted RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance flights from England after a hiatus of nearly a year.

GE Aerospace is stepping up assembly plans for its XA102 adaptive cycle engine prototype, with around a quarter of the hardware components now on order.

Initial requirements released by the Navy favor a large, fighter-size aircraft for autonomous combat roles.

GE Aerospace ramps up engine production at Lynn, overcoming supply chain issues and boosting F110 and F404/414 output to meet growing demand.

NASA has begun to look for a replacement for its T-38N jet trainers as the U.S. Air Force moves away from the aircraft type and transitions to use of the Boeing T-7A Red Hawk.

The Air Force’s MH-139 has reached initial operational capability, replacing the UH-1N in nuclear missile security.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

Powerus is advancing automated Guardian interceptors while expanding range, production and integration capabilities for counter-drone operations.

Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex is testing a system from Asylon that uses a drone paired with a quadrupedal robot to scan aircraft for damage.

Ursa Major Technologies is joining the rush to the public markets, though opting for the route of using a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) rather than initial public offering.

The U.S. Air Force’s latest fighter deployment to Australia has revealed a reality: If it wants to get into the fight quickly, it needs support from allies.

The U.S. State Department has approved an offer worth $4.5 billion to export four Boeing KC-46A air refueling aircraft for the Qatari government, the agency said on Aug. 20.

Frank Kendall, U.S. Air Force secretary during the Biden administration, is not the first person you would expect to go all-in on autonomous weapons.

The U.S. Air Force is buying 145 Group 2 long-endurance uncrewed aircraft systems from uAvionics Technologies to help protect its bases in the Middle East amid increasing threats from the war in Iran.

New contenders are emerging to vie for the outsize cargo market as the current fleet continues to age and shrink.

A GE Aerospace and Kratos partnership will become a second engine supplier for the Lockheed Martin AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) family.

NASA will host an aerospace exposition at Kennedy Space Center Nov. 7-8.

The U.S. Air Force has tested a prototype system that allows ground operators to control Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) from a ruggedized laptop.

Contract records show that the U.S. Air Force has selected the first base to operate the Boeing F-47 fighter, but the location remains secret.

A range of concepts are in the mix as the U.S. Air Force considers options for a new bomber, including one that can take off and land vertically.

The U.S. Air Force returned a damaged Boeing C-17 to service with a new robotic technology it used for the first time, and says the system is now being utilized for aircraft that likely were damaged in combat.

Australia has committed an initial A$736 million ($518 million) toward acquiring the Lockheed Martin AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM).

A new last line of defense is being developed to defeat incoming missiles that threaten airlifters and tankers in flight.

The U.S. Air Force will begin multiyear procurement of engines for its fighter aircraft and is soliciting information on the current market to apply pressure to companies to improve performance.