DefenceTalkRemotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper aircrews from the 89th Attack Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, alongside the 432nd Operations Support Squadron and 42nd ATKS at Creech Air Force Base participated in Red Flag 17-2 from Feb. 27 through March 10, 2017, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The MQ-9s integrated with fourth-generation platforms, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/mq-9-uavs-participate-in-red-flag-17-2-69604/

DefenceTalkCREECH AIR FORCE BASE: For the past 21 years the Air Force has flown the remotely piloted MQ-1 Predator in combat, and for the last 10, the MQ-9 Reaper. Combined with a skilled aircrew, these aircraft provide consistent support in daily engagements making an impact downrange. While the MQ-1 has provided many years of service, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/usaf-prepares-for-all-mq-9-force-as-mq-1-predator-retires-69292/

DefenceTalkMBDA’s Brimstone precision strike missile is being planned as the UK’s guided missile solution for the Royal Air Force’s Protector Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) programme. If confirmed, the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) Certifiable Predator B will enter service with the British weapon. The integration plan is included as part of the Ministry […]https://www.defencetalk.com/mbdas-brimstone-missile-planned-for-rafs-protector-rpas-68649/

DefenceTalkSpectroDrone is the world’s first sensor system capable of detecting explosives, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other chemical compounds from a safe, standoff distance. Following extensive testing in the laboratory and in the field, Laser Detect System (LDS) Ltd. is unveiling SpectroDrone – the world’s first drone-based explosive detection sensor. Utilizing LDS’ laser-based explosive detection […]https://www.defencetalk.com/lds-unveils-spectrodrone-to-find-explosives-68599/

DefenceTalkGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI) today announced the successful first flight of its new Avenger Extended Range (ER) aircraft, an extended range version of its multi-mission jet-powered Predator C Avenger which has accumulated over 13,000 flight hours to date. The flight occurred on October 27th at the company’s Gray Butte Flight Operations Facility in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/general-atomics-conducts-first-flight-of-avenger-extended-range-68584/

DefenceTalkLuckily, the skies above the island of Benbecula, a remote Scottish outpost in the Outer Hebrides, have been clear and calm so far this October. While the systems they are here to test may be unmanned or autonomous, the various projects have brought together in Scotland several dozens of the world’s foremost experts in unmanned […]https://www.defencetalk.com/unmanned-autonomous-technologies-tested-during-first-unmanned-warrior-exercise-68443/

DefenceTalkLeonardo-Finmeccanica’s Osprey AESA radar has been picked to serve as look-out on-board the US Navy’s newly-upgraded unmanned helicopter, the MQ-8C Fire Scout. The helicopter will be launched from the decks of US naval combat vessels to keep watch for distant threats. The contract will see Leonardo delivering an initial batch of 5 radars to the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-navy-selects-osprey-aesa-radar-for-mq-8c-fire-scout-68424/

DefenceTalkThales has announced it will be playing a major role in a large Royal Navy demonstration this month to determine the feasibility of using unmanned systems in a maritime environment. Unmanned Warrior, the largest demonstration of its kind in the UK, will bring together Thales and around 40 participants from the Ministry of Defence, industry […]https://www.defencetalk.com/thales-ready-for-royal-navy-test-of-its-unmanned-systems-68280/

DefenceTalkIn a testament to the versatility and adaptability that its unmanned systems bring to complex missions, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) successfully launched Vector Hawk, a small, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), on command from the Marlin MK2 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) during a cross-domain command and control event hosted by the U.S. Navy. In addition to […]https://www.defencetalk.com/lockheed-conducts-first-underwater-uav-launch-from-unmanned-underwater-vehicle-68239/

DefenceTalkThe Department of the Navy announced the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) received milestone C approval, Sept. 22. This decision by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (AT&L) Honorable Frank Kendall, allows the MQ-4C Triton program to enter into Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP), the first part of the production and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-navy-approves-triton-uas-for-production-68217/