U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

By Steve Trimble
Instead of shooting down the next buoyant airspace intruder, DARPA wants to find a way to haul high-altitude balloons down safely from up to 75,000 ft.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Guy Norris
Launch risks, cryogenic and uranium fuel are among the challenges facing the agencies’ ambitious DRACO space nuclear thermal propulsion orbital demonstration.
Space

By Matthew Fulco
L3Harris reported revenue of $4.69 billion in the second quarter, up 13.5% annually, while its earnings per share (EPS) of $2.97 beat analysts’ estimates.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Guy Norris
The contract award is targeted at tests of a nuclear thermal rocket engine vehicle in space by 2027.
Space

By Graham Warwick
Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Graham Warwick
Sikorsky’s tailsitter eVTOL; X-59 on the flight line; autonomous in Alaska; and unlocking biomass for SAF.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Steve Trimble
The $94.2 million deal for the LongShot program allows GA-ASI to move beyond the critical design review phase.
Missile Defense & Weapons

By Steve Trimble, Guy Norris
A decades-old idea for fuel-efficient, high-speed propulsion is moving closer to reality with these latest industry investments.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Graham Warwick
DARPA picks nine for Ancillary; China’s drive/fly eVTOL; Alef’s flying car; and hydrogen future for training aircraft.
Emerging Technologies

By Graham Warwick
The companies will produce initial conceptual designs for operational and demonstration systems.
Advanced Air Mobility

By Garrett Reim
For future surveillance satellites, the service seeks new thrusters and in-space refueling so it can “burn gas at will.”
Space

By Graham Warwick
Piasecki Aircraft plans to convert the former Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Heliplex into an R&D center for next generation VTOL and UAS aircraft systems.
Advanced Air Mobility

By Steve Trimble
The Organic Tactical Unmanned Systems (OTUS) program intends to “bring taskable autonomy squad-relevant UAVs,” SCCI said in a May 31 news release.
Sensors & Electronic Warfare

By Steve Trimble
A request for information published May 31 adds both technologies to a narrower, previous SDA description of the Tranche 2 experimental program.
Space

By Brian Everstine
A Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat has arrived in the U.S. for testing.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Steve Trimble
BAE Systems will continue developing a ramjet-powered, 155-mm artillery shell for the U.S. Army.
Missile Defense & Weapons

By Steve Trimble
A new DARPA aircraft designed by Aurora Flight Sciences to experiment with active flow control technology has been designated the X-65.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Steve Trimble
DARPA is looking for information from companies that already have radars in orbit or that will be operational by Dec. 31, 2024.
Space

By Graham Warwick
U.S. startup RapidFlight has emerged from stealth mode to launch the M2, a Group 3 uncrewed aircraft system that is 3D-printed.
Advanced Air Mobility

By Steve Trimble
Scramjet testing has scored several breakthroughs, but the path forward for the Pentagon’s portfolio of hypersonic glide vehicle projects is unclear.
Missile Defense & Weapons

By Graham Warwick
DARPA’s interest in platforms waxes and wanes but is entering a cycle of renewed focus based on a fiscal 2024 budget request.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Steve Trimble
One or more experimental aircraft could start flying in 2027 to prove the feasibility of a transporter that can speed up like a jet and land like a helicopter.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Jen DiMascio
Momentum for in-space servicing, space logistics and manufacturing is building.
Space

By Garrett Reim
Lockheed Martin Ventures has invested in electric seaglider startup Regent to speed up the development of a military variant of the company’s aircraft.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Steve Trimble
Shield AI and Boeing have agreed to explore ways to deepen an existing relationship by working to introduce artificial intelligence pilots on combat aircraft.
Aircraft & Propulsion