Military Aviation

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Joby Aviation has received a $55 million extension on its contract with the U.S. Air Force. The extension is the company’s third, bringing the overall contract value to a maximum of $131 million. The recent agreement also includes provisions for the delivery and operation of up to […]

Bell officially introduced its 407M special mission aircraft at the 2023 Army Aviation Association of America Mission Solutions Summit. A variant of the Bell 407 civil utility helicopter, the 407M is designed for military operations such as light attack, special operations, anti-piracy and armed reconnaissance. Bell noted that it is also planning to offer special […]

Brazil-based Embraer has launched a new version of its A-29 Super Tucano single-engine military turboprop designed to meet NATO’s operational requirements. Called the A-29N, the aircraft is specifically aimed at “meeting the needs of nations in Europe.” According to Embraer, it will include NATO-required equipment and features including a new datalink and single-pilot operation as […]

Once one of the most prized and carefully guarded assets in the Air Force fleet, the first of 13 E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) is now in a parking spot in the desert and will soon be followed by 12 more. The 45-year-old aircraft literally flew west from its base at Tinker AFB […]

The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $184 million contract to Boeing to improve the communications capabilities of its KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft. According to Boeing, upgrades will include line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications technologies with antijamming and encryption features. The first KC-46As were delivered to the Air Force in 2019. “This upgrade demonstrates long-term investment […]

Canada is poised to buy 16 P-8A Poseidon long-range patrol aircraft for about $5 billion to replace an aging and troublesome fleet of its version of the P-3, the CP-140 Aurora. In spite of protests from Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier, the Canadian government has sent a formal request for information and an offer from the […]

Nine Army soldiers were killed when two Blackhawk helicopters collided during a “multi-ship” night training mission in Kentucky late Wednesday. The helicopters were operated by 101st Airborne Division, the so-called Screaming Eagles, the Army’s only airborne assault unit based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The crews were using night vision gear on the exercise when the […]

For the first time in its more than 100-year history, the U.K.’s Royal Air Force is expected to name a non-pilot as its commander later this year. Sky News says it has learned the new Chief of the Air Staff will be Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton. If confirmed, he will only be the second […]

Pratt & Whitney has announced plans to invest $255 million in a new sustainment center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. According to the company, the 845,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for depot operations for all of its military engines. Pratt & Whitney noted the center will also increase the site’s maintenance, repair and overhaul […]

The three branches of the military that fly the V-22 Osprey have confirmed they will not buy any more of the tiltrotor aircraft after current contracts are fulfilled. Military.com is reporting that the Navy, Marines and Air Force say they don’t need any more Ospreys, but they also confirm the distinctive aircraft will serve for […]