Americas
Sikorsky has announced the start of flight testing for its new unmanned aerial system (UAS) that features a novel “rotor blown wing” design. Developed on behalf of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the drone can take off and land vertically like a rocket from a seated position on its tail. It can then transition to horizontal forward flight for long-endurance missions. According to the company, the flight tests will help refine the drone’s aerodynamics and controls.
The Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) fleet of CT-155 Hawk jets is being repurposed for a new training role. After nearly 24 years serving as advanced jet trainers for pilots, the Hawks are being retired from flying duties due to their limitations in preparing pilots for modern fighter jets like the CF-35A. While no longer suitable for in-air training, the Hawks are far from obsolete. They are being introduced at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) as maintenance trainers for future aircraft technicians. This redeployment represents a significant step in the RCAF’s Training Modernization Strategy, aimed at ensuring technicians are equipped to handle the complexities of modern aircraft.
Maxar Intelligence has inked a deal with Lockheed Martin to expedite delivery of the F-35 Full Mission Simulator (FMS) flight simulation and training system. The agreement establishes pricing, licensing, and requirements for various Maxar products, including Dynamic basemaps and the Precision3D Data Suite, which go hand-in-hand in generating high-resolution images and high-accuracy representations of Earth for the FMS. System standardization will enable F-35 customers to begin training and mission preparedness operations faster.
Middle East & Africa
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is exploring the possibility of purchasing China’s J-20 “Mighty Dragon” fighter aircraft. Reports about the potential sale surfaced after senior UAE military officials visited Beijing and discussed closer cooperation with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. Abu Dhabi is hoping that its efforts to strengthen ties with the Asian military superpower will boost its chances of procuring the fifth-generation aircraft, according to a report by National Interest.
Europe
UK Space Command’s first satellite – Tyche – will be launched by July 2024, the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced. The spacecraft, built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), will launch onboard the SpaceX Transporter-11 Rideshare mission from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in the US. Tyche is a 150 kg research and development (R&D) concept demonstrator spacecraft, based on the company’s Carbonite family of electro-optical (EO) satellites, which was initially scheduled to launch in 2023.
Asia-Pacific
The Philippines took delivery of the last two of six T129 combat helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries, the company announced this week, about a year behind the anticipated schedule. The acquisition is part of the Philippines’ Horizon 2 program to modernize its armed forces. The helicopters arrived at Major Danilo Atienza Air Base in Cavite on May 17. A ceremony marking their arrival involved the head of the Philippines’ Air Combat Command, the wing commander of the 15th Strike Wing, and other unit commanders and representatives from the country’s Air Force.
