Air Force Research Laboratory’s Post

At Eurosatory 2024, Edge Autonomy and Safran Electronics & Defense unveiled Lanner, a new configuration of the Penguin Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS). The Lanner configuration is based on the field-proven Penguin UAS platform and has been specifically modified to meet the requirements of the SDTL (Light Tactical Drone System) program for the French armed forces. In this configuration, the Penguin drone can address multiple missions through a simultaneous dual payload capability, including Electro-Optical/Infra-Red systems, electronic warfare (detection of radio signals or jamming for example), radar, and ammunitions. It can thus carry out land and maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Developed and produced in Europe, the Lanner configuration establishes Safran Electronics & Defense and Edge Autonomy as a European leader in tactical UAVs. References: ------------ 1. https://lnkd.in/drfCwwAm 2. https://lnkd.in/dVMMSXuE 3. https://lnkd.in/gmYBSn7w . . . #Eurosatory2024 #EdgeAutonomy #SafranElectronics #Lanner #PenguinUAS #VTOL #UncrewedAircraftSystem #EdgeAutonomyLanner #FutureOfAviation #InnovationInDefense

April 29 Red Sea Update TAMPA, Fla. – Between 10:00 a.m. and 5:20 p.m. (Sanaa time) on April 29, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) and three UAVs from Yemen into the Red Sea towards MV Cyclades, a Malta-flagged, Greece-owned vessel. Initial reports indicate there were no injuries and the vessel continued on its way. Earlier, at 7:49 a.m., U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully engaged and destroyed one Houthi launched airborne unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on a flight path towards USS Philippine Sea and USS Laboon in the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damages reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. It was determined the UAV presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. https://ow.ly/mP1A50RrufL

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions receives $50 million in awards for counter UAS and Air Defense Systems Kratos Defense & Security Solution announced that it has recently received approximately $50 million in awards for Products and Hardware, including for and in support of Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS), Air Defense and Radar Systems. The $50 million total includes contracts and programs that were awarded to Kratos on a single award or sole source basis. Kratos is an industry leader in systems, hardware and microwave electronics, including for and in support of CUAS, unmanned aerial drone, missile, radar and air defense related systems. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, with Kratos offerings envisioned and designed up front, for rapid, low-cost manufacturing and production, at scale and in large quantities. Work under these recently received awards will be performed at secure Kratos manufacturing facilities and customer locations.  Due to security related, competitive and other considerations, no additional information will be provided. #Military #Defence #Space #UAS #CUAS #AirDefenceSystems https://lnkd.in/eyCq9tJP

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions announced the successful completion of the first phase of the United States Marine Corps’ Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer – Portfolio (PAACK-P) programme. This comes after a live flight test at Eglin United States Air Force Base, Florida, where the Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) effectively collaborated with F-35 aircraft and demonstrated its electronic attack (EA) capabilities. The utilization of unmanned systems like the XQ-58A offers a significant cost advantage over traditional manned aircraft. This is particularly relevant for high-risk missions, where the potential loss of a pilot and an expensive fighter jet is a major concern. The successful demonstration not only validates the XQ-58A’s capabilities but also informs the development of the MQ-58B, the planned production variant. Data and lessons learned from the XQ-58A’s performance will directly influence the design specifications for the MQ-58B, ensuring it meets the specific requirements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Expeditionary (MUX) Tactical Aircraft (TACAIR) for the SEAD role. The successful demonstration represents a major milestone for the PAACK-P program and the future of Marine Corps unmanned aerial systems. The XQ-58A’s combination of affordability, long-range flight capabilities, high speeds, and diverse payload options makes it a valuable asset for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Lt. Col. Bradley Buick, of the Marine Corps’ Cunningham Group, emphasized the importance of MUX TACAIR (tactical aircraft) like the XQ-58A, highlighting their potential to enhance the lethality and survivability of manned platforms within the MAGTF. Kratos Defense & Security, the developer of the XQ-58A, partnered with Northrop Grumman (likely supplier of the EA suite) and various Department of Defense entities, including the Marine Corps itself, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) for the demonstration. #usmc #uav #uas #PAAK #usaf Campaign Catapult, Pravo Consulting

What Opportunities Exist in the #UnderseaWarfareSystems Market? Rise in demand for stealth undersea warfare systems, advent of underwater drones for undersea warfare, and government support for strengthening undersea warfare capabilities act as the key driving forces of the global undersea warfare systems market. The evolution of undersea warfare systems, driven by demand for stealth capabilities and advancements in underwater drones, is shaping global defense strategies. Key Market Players: Kongsberg Gruppen, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Saab, L3Harris Technologies,General Dynamics, Raytheon Technologies, Thales ,BAE Systems, Want To Know More:https://lnkd.in/gGDT_Mtm #AMR #UnderseaWarfare #DefenseTech #MilitaryStrategy #GlobalSecurity #StealthTechnology #UnderwaterDrones #DefenseInnovation #MarketTrends #MilitaryApplications #RegionalAnalysis

On February 8, 2024, General Atomics unveiled its new XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for the US Air Force. The XQ-67A represents a significant advancement in UAV technology, offering enhanced capabilities for aircrew situational awareness and mission effectiveness. It's part of the US Air Force's broader efforts to develop a network of loyal wingman drones capable of supporting manned aircraft in various combat scenarios. While specifics are still under wraps, the XQ-67A successfully completed its maiden flight recently, paving the way for further testing and potential deployment in the future. #military #defense #defence #aerospace #aviation #aircraft #aircrafts #airplane #airplanes #aviationlovers #militaryaviation #militaryaircraft #fighterjet #engineering #technology #militarytechnology #defensetechnology #defenseinnovation #defenseindustry

The U.S. Army's search for advanced C-UAS radar modules signals a critical shift towards enhancing remote weapon system capabilities against evolving drone threats. As unmanned systems become increasingly sophisticated, the demand for radar solutions that can effectively detect, track, and engage low, slow, and small UAS targets is paramount. CRG’s SME-Based Opportunities, Interim Advice & Differentiators: Opp - C-UAS Radar Development: The Army's interest creates opportunities for firms with mature radar tech that can be rapidly integrated into existing remote weapon systems. -         Advice: Develop radar systems with advanced multi-target tracking, adaptable to extreme temperature ranges. Ensure seamless integration through control options like Ethernet, RS232, or RS422. -         Differentiator: Companies offering highly rugged, precision radar systems with reliable, long-term operability (15,000-hour MTBF) will lead. CRG facilitates connections with Army stakeholders, ensuring your tech meets stringent operational requirements. Opp - Environmental Ruggedization: The MIL-STD-810H ruggedization requirement highlights a need for C-UAS radar solutions capable of enduring harsh conditions. -         Advice: Utilize advanced materials and design strategies that meet MIL-STD-1275 power specs and operate effectively from +140°F to -50°F, ensuring longevity and reliability in diverse environments. -         Differentiator: Firms with proven ruggedization expertise will stand out. CRG supports firms in tailoring radar solutions to military specifications, enhancing your contract potential. Opp - Lifecycle & Maintenance Efficiency: A 15-year procurable life presents opportunities for those providing long-term support and upgrade pathways. -         Advice: Design modular radar components with upgradeable firmware and hardware, ensuring tech remains viable across the system's lifecycle while reducing maintenance costs. -         Differentiator: Providers offering modular, easily upgradeable systems will be preferred. CRG helps align your lifecycle solutions with Army sustainment goals. Contact CRG today to ensure your C-UAS radar solutions align with the Army's evolving needs. 👉 crgroupinc.com | contact@crgroupinc.com #CRG #CUAS #RadarTechnology #RemoteWeaponSystems #MilitaryTech #DefenseInnovation #UASThreats #ArmyModernization #RuggedSystems #MilitaryContracts 

#US to Include #Japan in Future Drone Wingman Project The US will collaborate with Japan on a next-generation drone project, US Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said. The collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) project will be developed solely by US contractors. However, “there will be other opportunities” to work with Japan, Nikkei Asia quoted Kendall as saying. “What we’re planning is a program of increasing performance over time,” Kendall said, adding that “we’re going to continue to mature this technology and advance it in additional increments.” Collaborative Combat Aircraft The US Air Force recently contracted five companies for the uncrewed project, namely Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Anduril, and General Atomics. The CCA will fly alongside a manned aircraft for missions such as electronic warfare, air defense suppression, or as an additional weapons bay. It is a risk-free option to unlock China’s integrated air defense system architecture during a potential conflict. Around 1,000 CCAs are expected to be inducted, beginning by the end of the decade. US-Japan AI Agreement The project will be built on the recently signed joint research agreement to merge AI and machine learning with advanced unmanned air vehicles. The aircraft the collaboration will develop is intended to fly alongside Japan’s next-generation fighter aircraft, which Tokyo is developing with the UK and Italy. “I think there is a lot of technical capability that Japan can bring to the table and that we can all benefit from working together,” Nikkei Asia quoted Kendall as saying. “I’m hopeful that we’ll find ways to do that and expand beyond some of the things that we’re doing now in the technology area.”

Reconnaissance #aircraft are specialized military planes designed to gather intelligence and conduct surveillance. They collect data through a range of sensors such as cameras, radar, and infrared equipment, enabling them to monitor enemy movements, terrain, and activities without direct engagement. These aircraft often fly at high altitudes or have stealth capabilities to avoid detection. Some well-known reconnaissance aircraft include: - U-2 Spy Plane: Famous for its use during the Cold #War, this high-altitude aircraft gathers detailed #photographic intelligence. - RQ-4 Global Hawk: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for long-endurance missions and real-time surveillance. - SR-71 #Blackbird : A fast, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft that operated at speeds over #Mach 3. These #planes play a crucial role in modern warfare and intelligence gathering, offering real-time situational awareness. #engineering #technology Follow Mehdi Shiravi for more videos

📐The XQ-67A is a secretive unmanned aircraft. 📐It is designed to be a high-performance and lethal platform. 📐The aircraft is reported to have a classified counterpart with even higher capabilities. 📐The secretive nature of the aircraft suggests it is intended for specialized military applications. 📐The XQ-67A's capabilities are not publicly disclosed, adding to its mystique and intrigue. 📐It is part of the ongoing development of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for military purposes. 📐The article hints at the potential role of such aircraft in future conflicts and defense strategies. #wingedmonkeys