Tag: defense contracting
16 articles
US Army Selects Robinson R66 for Helicopter Pilot Training Overhaul
The US Army has taken a major leap in helicopter pilot training, selecting the Robinson R66 as part of its groundbreaking Flight School Next program, promising to equip new pilots with far better foundational skills. This $10-billion initiative aims to train up to 1,500 pilots annually, revolutionizing the way military helicopter pilots are trained.
Pentagon's Space-Based Interceptor Contest Advances with All 12 Contractors Passing Milestone
The Pentagon's space-based interceptor contest is heating up, with all 12 contractors acing the first milestone in the competition, paving the way for the next round of development contracts. According to Gen. Michael Guetlein, the contenders have successfully passed Gate 1, completing design and component-level testing.
Lockheed's ICBM Interceptor Hits Key Testing Milestones
Lockheed Martin's Next Generation Interceptor just hit two major testing milestones, clearing critical technical hurdles with a successful burst test and static test fire of its second-stage motor. These breakthroughs bring the program one step closer to its Critical Design Review and on-track fielding by 2030.
Air Force Seeks AI to Streamline Minuteman III Missile Fleet Data
The Air Force is on a mission to modernize its Minuteman III missile fleet by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to unify the vast amounts of data scattered across 60 disparate systems. By streamlining this data, the Air Force aims to gain centralized control and improve the efficiency of its aging intercontinental ballistic missile fleet.
Space Force Launches $981M Initiative to Bolster Training Capabilities
The Space Force is supercharging its training capabilities with a $981 million initiative, partnering with 15 top vendors to develop cutting-edge resources for Guardians, who currently face a shortage of instructors, facilities, and simulators for key missions. This five-year contract pool is set to revolutionize training for the next generation of space defenders.
Boeing Faces $280M Charge on Air Force One Replacement Program
Boeing is investing $280 million in the Air Force One replacement program to accelerate production and certification, a move aimed at reducing risk as the aircraft advances to flight testing. This brings the program's total losses to over $3 billion.
Pentagon Bolsters Rocket Motor Production with L3Harris Deal
L3Harris has secured a game-changing deal with the Pentagon to supercharge rocket motor production, enabling the creation of critical missile defense systems at unprecedented speeds. This long-term agreement will help ramp up production of vital components for the PAC-3 and THAAD missile defenses.
Oshkosh Seeks to Fill Marine JLTV Readiness Gaps with New Bid
Oshkosh Defense is stepping up to help the Marine Corps bridge critical readiness gaps with its combat-proven JLTV A1, a production-ready vehicle that can be delivered quickly. By leveraging its existing production capabilities, Oshkosh aims to provide a reliable solution to the Marines' urgent need for a trusted vehicle.
US Air Force Designates New Bunker Buster Bomb GBU-76/B
The US Air Force has officially designated its new bunker-busting bomb as the GBU-76/B, and is now seeking industry partners to support its research, development, production, and delivery. The Next Generation Penetrator is set to revolutionize the Air Force's arsenal, and the Air Force is inviting vendors to demonstrate their capabilities in helping to bring it to life.
Raytheon, Lockheed Deliver Next-Gen Javelin Launchers to Army
Raytheon and Lockheed Martin have delivered the first next-generation Javelin launcher units to the U.S. Army, marking a major milestone in modernizing the Javelin system. This cutting-edge technology upgrade is a testament to the Javelin Joint Venture's commitment to equipping service members with the best tools to succeed.
Pentagon Names Five Winners in Drone Lethality Challenge
The Pentagon has announced the five winners of its Drone Lethality Challenge, a competition seeking payload solutions compatible with small drones, and the solutions must be scalable and cost-effective. The winners - Bravo Ordnance, Kela Defense, Kraken Kinetics, Mountain Horse, and Northrop Grumman - have successfully met the government's requirements for payloads that can be used on Group 1 drones.
Air Force Delays KC-46 Vision System Upgrade to 2028
The Air Force and Boeing are joining forces to boost the readiness of the KC-46 Pegasus program, unveiling a three-pronged plan to tackle delays and cost increases. The move comes as Senator Kevin Cramer presses for answers, highlighting the urgent need for a vision system upgrade and cost containment.
Lockheed Martin Exits Navy Training Jet Competition
Lockheed Martin has bowed out of the Navy's Undergraduate Jet Training System competition, citing the required level of US content and other factors that made their offering not the best fit. The company remains committed to training work, but will not pursue this particular solicitation.
Air Force Taps Bidders for Nuclear Microreactors at Key Bases
The Air Force has taken a major leap towards energy resilience, partnering with three innovative companies - Antares Nuclear, Inc., Radiant Industries, Inc., and Westinghouse Government Services - to design and operate nuclear microreactors at key bases, starting with Joint Base San Antonio, Buckley Space Force Base, and others to be announced. This strategic move is set to revolutionize the future of air and space dominance with reliable, cutting-edge power solutions.
L3Harris Targets Army Rotorcraft with Wolf Pack Mini Cruise Missiles
L3Harris is taking its mini cruise missile technology to new heights, adapting its Wolf Pack system for US Army rotorcraft like the Apache and Black Hawk. Building on its success with the Marine Corps, the company is now seeking to equip Army helicopters with its modular mini cruise missiles.
Army Revives Cheyenne Name for Advanced MV-75 Tiltrotor Program
The Army is reviving the storied Cheyenne name for its cutting-edge MV-75 tiltrotor program, dubbed Cheyenne II, in a bold move that signals a fresh leap in capability. This new chapter for the Cheyenne II program comes decades after its predecessor, a pioneering attack helicopter, earned a reputation for innovation, albeit not success.