Tag

Unmanned Aircraft

All articles tagged with #unmanned aircraft

drones1 month ago•8 min saved

Boeing Expands MQ-28 Ghost Bat Capabilities with Wings, Weapons Bays and BLOS Upgrade

Boeing revealed at ILA Berlin 2026 a roadmap for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat that adds 25% larger wings (boosting MTOW to 12,000 lb and payload to 4,500 lb), internal weapon bays for AMRAAMs and SDBs, optional external stations, and software/mission nose upgrades. The updates improve range, endurance and mission configurability, support Beyond Line of Sight operation, and enable modular payloads for allied customers, with the program rolling out via spiral upgrades after ongoing testing in the U.S. and collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force.

via The Aviationist|

#boeing #collaborative-combat-aircraft #drones

technology2 months ago•5 min saved

MQ-25 Stingray Flies for First Time, Paving Way for Carrier-Based Refueling

The U.S. Navy’s production-representative MQ-25 Stingray completed its first flight on April 25, 2026 at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, moving from ground testing to flight testing and setting up an IOC target of FY2027. Designed to perform carrier-based aerial refueling (delivering about 14,000–16,000 lb of fuel over 500 nm) and potentially ISR tasks, the program plans nine aircraft for testing and fielding. Boeing has opened a dedicated production facility to support LRIP, while the program continues to address schedule slips and cost considerations as it advances toward integrating unmanned aircraft into the carrier air wing.

via The Aviationist|

#aerial-refueling #carrier-aviation #mq-25-stingray

defense5 months ago•5 min saved

GA and Anduril Sketch Navy Carrier-Capable Unmanned Aircraft

At the Singapore Air Show, General Atomics and Anduril signaled that the Navy’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program could reuse Fury-era components and design concepts to deliver a carrier-capable unmanned platform, with multiple contractors developing concepts and a common-control system while the Navy refines its operating concept for carrier-based CCAs.

via USNI News|

#anduril #collaborative-combat-aircraft #defense

military7 months ago•2 min saved

U.S. Marine Corps Deploys MADIS Drone Defense Vehicles in Indo-Pacific

The U.S. Marines have begun production of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), a vehicle-based drone hunter-killer system that uses two light tactical vehicles equipped with Stinger missiles and a 30mm cannon to target unmanned and manned aircraft, replacing older MANPADs and enhancing aerial threat defense capabilities.

via Defense News|

#drone-defense #ground-based-air-defense #madis

defense9 months ago•3 min saved

Lockheed's Skunk Works Unveils Vectis Stealth Drone for Future Combat

Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works has unveiled the Vectis, a new stealthy, reusable collaborative combat aircraft designed for both U.S. and international military use, capable of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and surveillance missions, with flight expected in two years. The aircraft builds on previous sixth-generation prototypes and aims to offer high survivability and flexibility, potentially serving alongside crewed aircraft and competing with similar international designs.

via Aviation Week Network|

#collaborative-combat-aircraft #defense #skunk-works

military-technology9 months ago•19 min saved

Skunk Works Launches Stealth Vectis Combat Drone

Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works has unveiled Vectis, a highly adaptable, stealthy Group 5 combat drone designed for multi-mission roles including air-to-air, air-to-surface, and ISR, expected to fly within two years. The drone emphasizes survivability, modularity, and open mission systems, with a focus on interoperability and rapid upgradability, aiming to meet diverse operational needs across global theaters. Its development aligns with evolving military concepts like distributed operations and runway independence, though it remains runway-dependent in its current form.

via The War Zone|

#collaborative-combat-aircraft #military-technology #skunk-works

military-technology11 months ago•9 min saved

China Unveils Advanced Military Drones and Weapons Ahead of Parade

Ahead of a major military parade in Beijing, China is set to unveil multiple new unmanned aerial vehicles, including various 'loyal wingman' style drones inspired by or similar to the FH-97 and XQ-58A Valkyrie, along with advanced missile systems, underwater vehicles, and armored ground units, showcasing its efforts to modernize and expand its military capabilities.

via The War Zone|

#chinese-drones #military-modernization #military-technology

military-technology3 years ago•7 min saved

US Air Force Invests in Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

The US Air Force is developing collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) to expand its fighter fleet in preparation for great-power competition with China. CCAs can operate remotely or autonomously and perform a range of missions, including air-to-air combat, airstrikes, and intelligence-gathering. They will be able to operate alongside piloted aircraft in manned-unmanned teams or completely autonomously with other CCAs. The Air Force wants cheaper, capable airframes to provide "affordable mass" and address pilot retention and generation issues. The development of CCAs is one of the Air Force's biggest priorities and will shape the future of its inventory.

via Business Insider|

#ai-pilots #collaborative-combat-aircraft #great-power-competition