Rapid Fire Morning 2011-06-28: Unmanned Cargo Hauling

Jun 28, 2011 09:00 UTC by Defense Industry Daily staff
  • ASDReports’ latest publication says that the value of the Russian defense market in 2010 was $47.1 billion. The Russian Defense Market 2011-2021 also predicts that President Medvedev’s economic liberalization plans will encourage greater investment in the domestic defense sector.
  • The Government Accountability Office publishes its report [PDF] on the military buildup on Guam. Despite making savings to program costs, the report raises concerns over the timeline of the project, as well as the Department of Defense’s (DoD) failure to develop cost estimates for air and missile defenses. The failure to develop the Guam Joint Military Master Plan is also a concern, prompting Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam) to press the DoD for its finalization.
  • Almost 24 hours after Defense Secretary Robert Gates called upon NATO’s European members to pool resources, Germany announces that it is ready to provide military ordnance to the mission in Libya. However, the announcement means that Germany will still not be taking a direct part in operations.

  • The Mexican state of Jalisco becomes the second customer for Sikorsky’s S-70i Black Hawk, after Turkey. Mexico’s Black Hawk pool is rising fast…

  • After nine years in development, Urban Aeronautics’ X-Hawk/Air Mule lift-fan vehicle is attracting interest with Israel’s IDF for unmanned cargo hauling. Elbit’s Flying Elephant is a much simpler idea and options like the A160T VTUAV are more versatile. On the other hand, neither can descend under control while in contact with a wall.

  • Requests from two bidders asking for an extension to the bid period for Canada’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy have been poorly received by politicians and shipbuilders.

  • Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) have established a new division within their C4I Directorate to defend military networks from hackers.

  • Recent criticisms branding China’s fifth-generation fighter program as being ‘just for show’ are now complemented by comments that its aircraft carrier is a ‘highly vulnerable extravagance’.

    • Categories: Alliances, Americas - Other, Daily Rapid Fire, European Union (EU), Fighters & Attack, Helicopters & Rotary, Industry, Industry & Trends, Israel, IT - Cyber-Security, Leadership & People, Memoriam, Middle East - Other, Official Reports, Ordnance & Guns, Other Corporation, Projections & Assessments, Russia, Surface Ships - Combat, USA

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