Air Warfare magazine: attack helicopters, F-35 update and more

What's inside this edition:

Comment

Even though the Defence Command Paper was published in March, it remains unclear how many F-35 Lightning II aircraft the UK MoD is planning to acquire.

Features include:

DÉJÀ VU ALL OVER AGAIN

Despite years of development, the F-35 schedule needs another major fix due to technical difficulties, and the programme is facing new challenges inside the Pentagon.

Other features include:

BLOCK PARTY

As manufacturers move to upgrade older attack helicopters with new kit, operators can expect to see more powerful mission systems and benefit from greater self-protection capabilities. Shephard examines end-user needs and assesses what long-term changes to the threat environment will mean for this class of aircraft.

KEEPING AN EYE OUT

As HALE UAS are gradually becoming key ISR assets in potential regional near-peer confrontations, questions are raised about how the platforms will evolve in order to meet end-user expectations and maintain a tactical edge.

ALL EYES NORTH

Ongoing conflicts, combat losses, capability upgrade requirements and heightened competition are the factors driving aircraft procurements in the African market. Meanwhile, many funding issues remain unresolved. Shephard Defence Insight analyses the region with a focus on North Africa.

UPWARD SPIRAL

FVL continues to stand as the centrepiece of US Army aviation modernisation and showcases cutting-edge rotary-wing technology, but as crucial decisions for FARA and FLRAA loom, defence industrial base matters weigh heavier on the minds of manufacturers.

REFRESH AND REBOOT

Since new fighter aircraft are highly expensive to procure and operate, many air forces are opting for upgraded platforms as the addition of modern systems and weapons can extend their service life while maintaining operational readiness.