Jeff has been involved in aerospace journalism since the mid 1990s. Prior to joining Aviation Week, Jeff served as managing editor of Launchspace magazine and the International Space Industry Report. He has been the editor and chief of Aviation Week's Aerospace Daily & Defense Report since 2007 and has been a regular contributor to Aviation Week magazine. He received his B.A. from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
The U.S. Army has decided to drop the Armed Robotic Vehicle (ARV) from the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program, bringing the total number of systems in the mammoth modernization effort down to 14. Last week, Brig. Gen. Thomas Cole, deputy program manager for FCS program integration, said the ARV is being cut from production and put back into the science and technology base (DAILY, Jan. 22). Another possible casualty is one of the unattended munitions being developed for FCS, a source told The DAILY.
Back in flight-testing following a crash that grounded the system for a year, the A160 Hummingbird unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is slated to upgrade to a turboshaft engine during the next quarter that will boost its power and endurance.
The purchase of the UH-72A Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is prompting the U.S. Army to adjust its acquisition processes and devise new policies for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) purchases, according to service officials.
