Air Warfare magazine: Cargo UAS; Tanker aircraft; and more
What’s inside this edition:
Comment: Taiwanese tightrope: walking the fine line to maintain independence
Tensions between China and Taiwan continue to rise as the former has begun to conduct large-scale military exercises simulating the invasion of the latter. In this context, the visit of a US Congresswoman has only exacerbated the current state of affairs.
Features include:
Bidding war: How financial clout paves the way for Middle Eastern aircraft procurement.
Traditionally reliant on importing equipment, the Middle East stands out as a region where financial clout brings with it access to the most advanced aircraft. Shephard looks at how instability is driving spending, whether new F-35 deals will come to pass and the reality of dependency.
Partners in crime: How loyal wingmen can improve the operations of next-generation fighters
Combined arms remain a core tenet of modern warfare. In the same way an armoured vehicle will operate most effectively in conjunction with infantry, a loyal wingman offers a method to enhance and improve on fighter jets’ capabilities.
Share the load: delivering the goods with cargo-carrying UAS
While aerial resupply is a much-touted use case for uncrewed aircraft, take-up has been slow. With major programmes finally gaining traction in the US and UK, Shephard Defence Insight provides an in-depth analysis of these pioneering efforts.
Reaching out: How the US intends to extend the operational range of its future fleet
In terms of future tanker aircraft operations, much hinges on the USAF’s KC-Y programme and the potential acquisition of around 140-160 new aircraft. Will the extended range and autonomous boom capabilities on offer prove decisive?
A sense of loss: Reasons behind Russia’s failure to gain air supremacy in Ukraine
Russia has lost an extortionate number of military aircraft in Ukraine since the start of the war in February. The maladroit application of EW in support of Russian air power could have major implications for the country’s ongoing invasion.
Bonus content coming soon.
Read the edition here.
More from Air Warfare
-
Bell makes move on FLRAA test lab construction despite ongoing Defiant protest
Bell Textron began laying the foundations for a new testing facility for its V-280 Valor helicopter despite protest over its US Army Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) contract win.
-
Northrop Grumman advances airborne connectivity for US Air Force
Northrop Grumman's Software Programmable Open Mission Systems Compliant (SPOC) multifunction processor will help define the USAF's approach to next-generation airborne radio.
-
US Air Force needs over 200 B-21 bombers, expert argues as maiden flight faces delays
The first flight of Northrop Grumman's B-21 Raider stealth bomber has been delayed, while experts argue the US Air Force is in need of more than 300 bombers as tensions heighten across the globe.
-
Australian firm selected for US hypersonic test vehicle requirement
Hypersonix Launch Systems will provide flight vehicles for testing under a US Defense Innovation Unit hypersonic programme.
-
Slovakia to get US attack helicopters after donating jets to Ukraine
The US is offering a dozen AH-1Z Viper helicopters to Slovakia at two-thirds discount with the latter sending its fighters to Ukraine, which would likely extend H-1 production beyond 2023.