US Conducted Precision Sounding Rocket Launch | Norway’s F-35As Get JSM | Philippine Air Force Gets 5 C-130J

Americas

The US Air Force Research Laboratory has partnered with ThermAvant Technologies and Maxar Technologies to develop and deploy the next generation of spacecraft thermal control technology. The groundbreaking technology, Oscillating Heat Pipes (OHPs), provides lightweight and highly efficient temperature control on higher power yet smaller spacecraft. The OHP was recently launched in the second quarter of 2021 on a Maxar-built satellite.

The United States conducted the launch of a precision sounding rocket on October 20 to accelerate the development of advanced hypersonic weapons. The High Operational Tempo for Hypersonics flight campaign was conducted by the Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) and the Army Hypersonic Program Office (AHPO).

Middle East & Africa

The first AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter for the Royal Bahraini Air Force was completed by Bell on September 30. The helicopter will be shipped to Bahrain in 2022. The country has ordered 12 AH-1Zs.

Europe

The Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency (NDMA) has signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS to to supply the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for Norway’s fleet of F-35A Lightning II fighters. The contract is valued at $473 million. The partnership between KONGSBERG, the Norwegian Armed Forces and Norwegian Defence Research Establishment in the definition, development and test of the JSM has been critical factor in developing a missile with such advanced capabilities.

According to an answer from Jeremy Quin, Minister for Defense Procurement in the UK, ASRAAM Block 6 standard is due to enter service on Typhoon in 2022 and F-35 Lightning II in 2024. ASRAAM is in service with the Royal Air Force as its ‘Within Visual Range’ anti-air missile. The weapon is also in operational service with the Royal Australian Air Force on its F/A-18 Hornet.

Asia-Pacific

The Philippine House of Representatives has approved a request from the Philippine Air Force to buy five C-130J transport aircraft. Lawmakers realigned the 2022 General Appropriations Bill so that funds can be used for the down payment of the aircraft.

Today’s Video

Watch: Top 10 Air-to-Air Missiles Today (AAMs)