Defense

The software upgrade enables the flight computer to intervene to prevent potentially fatal crashes.

The service already has been exploring a number of more environmentally friendly options, including electric-powered aircraft.

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

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS & SUPPORT (IS&S), PA was selected by the US Army to supply its ThrustSense Autothrottle system for retrofit on its C-12 (King Air B200) aircraft with Pro Line 21 avionics; system is controlled by new ISU.

Anduril advertises the Bolt-M’s autonomous abilities as the next evolution in first-person view loitering munition quadcopters used in Ukraine.

A market survey released on Oct. 10 by the MDA calls for industry to submit ideas for “low-cost interceptors.”

Saab North America, Inc., received a subpoena from the Justice Department about the 2014 deal, but the parent company did not elaborate on details.

The €13.7 million ($14.9 million) project is being led by Thales and also includes Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and Spain’s Indra.

Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 followed by its full-scale invasion of Ukraine launched in 2022 has driven NATO's European members to significantly boost defense spending.

The milestone was announced by the UK Defense Equipment and Support agency on Oct. 9.

The UK is expanding its military space effort with an agreement to work with Canada on an on-orbit space surveillance mission.

The Norwegian government has unveiled plans to expand rocket motor and other production capacities to meet its own demand as well as that of Ukraine and allies.

Latvia says it has adjusted its air surveillance equipment and shortened decision-making processes to respond to “hybrid threats” emanating from Moscow.

When the U.S. Army began developing a utility helicopter in the 1960s, it faced the unenviable task of replacing arguably the most storied rotorcraft to date.

Civil aviation is in increasing danger as Israel trades missile fire with Iran and its proxies. IATA warns that protection must be guaranteed.

The report was completed in July 2022 but not released publicly until Sept. 30.

Thus far in 2024, non-U.S. NATO military spending has increased 18% while Asia’s defense expenditure has grown 10%, compared to 7% in the U.S.

The nearly $250 million order follows a deployment of the Roadrunner-M last January for an operational evaluation.

The proposal is supported by NASA studies showing potential energy savings from the hybridization of the C-130.

McIntosh will replace Bridget Lauderdale, who is retiring as vice president and general manager of the F-35 after 38 years at Lockheed.

A market research effort opened by the Army on Oct. 8 proposes a revamp of the Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) flight training program at Fort Novosel, Alabama.

Chauncey McIntosh to VP and General Manager-F-35 Lightning II Program, based in Fort Worth, of Lockheed Martin (effective December 1).

The three aircraft were first bought by the service in 2019 for the ill-fated Light Attack Experiment.

The joint venture company of Airbus, Leonardo and Fokker paid to strip the parts from Australia’s NH90 fleet.

First flight of the aircraft, a dedicated military variant of the company’s H160 twin-engine medium helicopter, is planned for 2025.