DefenseNews

Boeing’s KC-46 has a new top-tier deficiency

August 1, 2024
DAYTON, Ohio — The Air Force and Boeing identified a new KC-46 deficiency this spring that’s causing damage to the tanker’s air system ducts — adding to the aircraft’s running list of unresolved, high-risk design flaws. The latest deficiency, designated a Category 1 issue based on the degree of risk and operational restrictions it imposes on the aircraft or its operator, involves a…
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DefenseNews

Here are the munitions Navy jets used for first time against Houthis

July 26, 2024
Navy fighter jets from Carrier Air Wing 3, embarked aboard the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower, employed several weapons in combat for the first time during their recently completed deployment to the Middle East, where they battled Houthi attacks and struck targets held by the Iran-backed group in Yemen. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron 105 became the first squadron in…
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DefenseNews

Dassault says Rafale jet production ramp-up hit by supply chain snags

July 25, 2024
PARIS — Dassault Aviation said the production ramp-up of its Rafale fighter jet continues to be impacted by supply chain disruptions in the aerospace industry. Lifting the Rafale production pace to three a month at the final assembly plant in Mérignac in southwest France “is more difficult right now,” and reaching that rate is more a question of next year than this year, CEO Éric Trappier…
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DefenseNews

The US Navy risks outsourcing control of its drones

July 25, 2024
Thanks to programs like Replicator, and incubators like the Defense Innovation Unit and the Disruptive Capabilities Office, the Navy is on the precipice of widespread adoption of uncrewed systems. These systems bring with them the prospect of new technologies, new…
DefenseNews

US Air Force, Boeing reach deal on prototype E-7

July 22, 2024
RAF FAIRFORD, England — The Air Force has reached an agreement with Boeing to build the first rapid prototype E-7 battle management aircraft, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall told reporters here over the weekend. The terms of the contract are not yet settled, but should be wrapped up next month, Kendall said at the Royal International Air Tattoo air show. The completion of this deal would…
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