Defense Scoop
• Mikayla Easley
The U.S. Air Force is accelerating development of an MQ-9A Reaper successor after the loss of dozens of aircraft during Operation Epic Fury. Officials want a drone that can be fielded more quickly, produced in large numbers and cost roughly $10 million each— a fraction of the Reaper’s cost.
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Fresh airborne photographs provide the clearest view yet of China’s large WZ-X stealth drone, highlighting an unusual wing design. The configuration may reflect requirements for very-high-altitude, long-endurance flight and offers new clues about the aircraft’s aerodynamic and mission priorities.
The U.S. Air Force is accelerating development of an MQ-9A Reaper successor after the loss of dozens of aircraft during Operation Epic Fury. Officials want a drone that can be fielded more quickly, produced in large numbers and cost roughly $10 million each— a fraction of the Reaper’s cost.
Amprius Technologies has introduced a silicon-anode battery cell capable of 500 Wh/kg at a continuous 1C discharge rate. The company is targeting the cell at long-endurance aviation applications, including high-altitude platform stations and fixed-wing drones, where higher energy density can extend mission duration.
Elroy Air says its hybrid-electric Chaparral drone has completed its first uncrewed logistics demonstration flights under the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. The flights mark an operational milestone for the company’s autonomous cargo aircraft and its effort to advance uncrewed delivery missions.
The US Navy is asking defense companies to propose autonomous combat aircraft capable of operating from aircraft carriers, conducting strike missions and carrying as much as 10,000 pounds of externally mounted weapons. The request signals an emphasis on integrating high-payload uncrewed platforms into carrier aviation.
The 2014 fund launched by early SpaceX backer 137 Ventures is now worth more than eight times the capital investors originally committed, after fees and other charges. The returns reflect the fund’s stakes in SpaceX, defense company Anduril and artificial-intelligence startup Cognition.
The Space Force estimates Boeing’s seven-satellite Evolved Strategic SATCOM program at $11.6 billion while preparing to add launch providers to National Security Space Launch and steer SBIR awards toward operational needs. Separately, the Air Force awarded about $766 million for B-52H radar and modernization work.
High activity
Regent completed its first crewed electric seaglider flight, carrying two captains 33 feet above Narragansett Bay for 30 seconds and traveling 596 meters. The milestone comes as the FAA advances its eIPP pilot program and Archer begins a multi-state Midnight eVTOL tour ahead of planned air-taxi operations.
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