DefenceTalkBell Helicopter revealed today the Bell V-280 Valor, its offering for the Joint Multi Role/Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Technology Demonstrator (JMR/TD), at the 2013 Army Aviation Association of America’s (AAAA) Annual Professional Forum and Exposition in Fort Worth. “The introduction of the Bell V-280 Valor underscores our commitment to our military customers. The Bell V-280’s […]https://www.defencetalk.com/bell-helicopter-introduces-the-bell-v-280-valor-tiltrotor-at-aaaa-47433/

DefenceTalk6 Squadron, based at RAF Leuchars, have continued to develop the multi-role capability of Typhoon by dropping inert Paveway II bombs for the first time from the Tranche 2 version of the combat aircraft. Pilots embarked on a series of training sorties over Cape Wrath Range last week to deliver this air to surface capability […]https://www.defencetalk.com/6-squadron-take-paveway-to-typhoon-multi-role-success-47431/

DefenceTalkThe contract to develop a sketch and technical project of the Russian-Indian perspective multi-functional 5th-generation fighter (PMI/FGFA) was completed. The fighter design was fully developed. Both parties have agreed upon on the amount and division of work during the research and development (R&D) stage. A contract for the R&D is being prepared. It is to […]https://www.defencetalk.com/india-russia-agree-on-technical-specs-of-new-pak-fa-fighter-47429/

DefenceTalkAir Force officials will begin to stand down active-duty combat units starting April 9 to ensure the remaining units supporting worldwide operations can maintain sufficient readiness through the remainder of the fiscal year. The stand down is the result of cuts to Air Combat Command’s operations and maintenance account, which must be implemented in part […]https://www.defencetalk.com/air-combat-command-stands-down-units-due-to-budget-cuts-47421/

DefenceTalkThe top acquisition priority in the Air Force – acquiring a new aerial refueling capability – is proceeding “on track,” Maj. Gen. John Thompson, the program executive officer for Tankers, said. Two years and several key milestones after the contract was awarded, a great deal of progress has been made. The preliminary design review completed […]https://www.defencetalk.com/kc-46-progress-on-track-47423/

DefenceTalkUnder the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, P.L. 112-95, Congress has tasked the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), sometimes referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, into the national airspace system by September 2015. Although the text of this act places safety as a predominant concern, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/integration-of-drones-into-domestic-airspace-selected-legal-issues-2-47402/

DefenceTalkAn F-35B Lightning II completed the first short takeoff and vertical landing during a test mission at night to expand the flight envelope and deliver capability to the warfighter. Marine Corps test pilot Maj. C.R. Clift conducted the flight April 2 to gather data on the helmet and lighting conditions for night time operations.The test […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-35b-conducts-first-night-time-vertical-landing-47397/

DefenceTalkAfter a long delivery flight from Sweden, FMV has now delivered the seventh, eighth and ninth JAS 39 Gripen aircrafts to the Royal Thai Air Force. The entire order consists of twelve planes. On behalf of the Defence Export Agency FMV has coordinated the delivery and Gunnar Lindberg, who is project manager at FMV Test […]https://www.defencetalk.com/three-gripen-fighter-aircraft-delivered-to-thailand-47393/

DefenceTalkDefence and security company Saab has received an additional order from the Brazilian Air Force for the upgrade program of the Erieye AEW&C Mission System in Brazil. The total order amounts to MSEK 325. Through this upgrade Erieye’s operative capacity increases and forms part of the programme for modernising aircraft model Embraer 145 AEW&C, referred […]https://www.defencetalk.com/saab-order-upgrade-erieye-aewc-mission-system-in-brazil-47389/

DefenceTalkThe F-22 Raptor has resumed normal flight operations after modifications to aircrew life-support equipment were completed across the fleet, including the upper pressure garment and related hoses, valves and connectors. Completion of this task eliminates the need to restrict flight operations to remain within a 30-minute flying distance from an airfield suitable for landing. F-22 […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-22-resumes-normal-flight-operations-47364/