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eVTOL Insights • Jason Pritchard

Amprius and Matternet team up to scale high-energy-density silicon anode cells for autonomous drone delivery

Amprius and Matternet announced a strategic collaboration aimed at improving the performance and economics of autonomous aerial delivery. The partnership centers on Amprius’ high-energy-density silicon anode cells, targeting better drone endurance and cost efficiency for commercial operations.

2026-05-21T23:39:15.638156-07:00

FlightGlobal

AFSOC MQ-9 Reapers integrate GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb for improved stand-off strike

2026-05-22T00:55:07.820838-07:00

FlightGlobal

General Atomics restarts YFQ-42A flight testing after April crash; software fix targets autopilot weight miscalculation

2026-05-21T21:10:33.287494-07:00

FlightGlobal

GA-ASI and Saab complete first flight of MQ-9B SkyGuardian with Saab LoyalEye airborne early warning radar

2026-05-21T09:38:36.247976-07:00

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FlightGlobal

AFSOC MQ-9 Reapers integrate GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb for improved stand-off strike U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command MQ-9 Reaper aircraft have gained integration for the GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb, expanding the drones’ precision strike options with a more capable stand-off weapon from a key uncrewed platform. The change supports longer-range effects while preserving Reaper’s mission flexibility.

2026-05-22T00:55:07.820838-07:00

AFSOC MQ-9 Reapers integrate GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb for improved stand-off strike

eVTOL Insights

Amprius and Matternet team up to scale high-energy-density silicon anode cells for autonomous drone delivery Amprius and Matternet announced a strategic collaboration aimed at improving the performance and economics of autonomous aerial delivery. The partnership centers on Amprius’ high-energy-density silicon anode cells, targeting better drone endurance and cost efficiency for commercial operations.

2026-05-21T23:39:15.638156-07:00

Amprius and Matternet team up to scale high-energy-density silicon anode cells for autonomous drone delivery

FlightGlobal

General Atomics restarts YFQ-42A flight testing after April crash; software fix targets autopilot weight miscalculation General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has resumed flight testing of its YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft for the U.S. Air Force following an early-April prototype crash that destroyed the air vehicle. The return follows safety reviews and a software update addressing an autopilot weight miscalculation, with a brief post-crash pause before flights restarted.

2026-05-21T21:10:33.287494-07:00

General Atomics restarts YFQ-42A flight testing after April crash; software fix targets autopilot weight miscalculation

DefenseNews.com

USAF calls MQ-9 Reaper the “MVP” in Epic Fury as lawmakers weigh manned-unmanned priorities Air Force leaders told Congress the remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper was a “workhorse” in the U.S. air campaign against Iran, even as the fiscal 2027 budget request continues to concentrate aircraft funding in crewed fighters. The testimony comes alongside new industry work on expendable autonomous drone engines, including GE426 proposals.

2026-05-21T11:10:25.711914-07:00

USAF calls MQ-9 Reaper the “MVP” in Epic Fury as lawmakers weigh manned-unmanned priorities

FlightGlobal

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GA-ASI and Saab complete first flight of MQ-9B SkyGuardian with Saab LoyalEye airborne early warning radar General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and Saab have completed the first flight of an MQ-9B configured with Saab-designed LoyalEye airborne early warning (AEW) pods. The companies say it is the first unmanned AEW platform of its kind, advancing persistent AEW surveillance for missions where manned aircraft are unavailable.

2026-05-21T09:38:36.247976-07:00

GA-ASI and Saab complete first flight of MQ-9B SkyGuardian with Saab LoyalEye airborne early warning radar

Aviation Today

Redwire lands multi-year, multi-million contract to deliver Penguin Mk3 UAS to NATO ally Redwire says it has received a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract from a NATO ally to deliver the company’s Penguin Mk3 unmanned aircraft system. The award adds to the firm’s growing defense-drone workload and reinforces its bid position with European government customers.

2026-05-21T09:25:20.963092-07:00

Redwire lands multi-year, multi-million contract to deliver Penguin Mk3 UAS to NATO ally

Reuters

Latvia detects drone in airspace, activates NATO fighter jets to counter the threat Latvia’s armed forces said at least one drone entered the country’s airspace, prompting activation of NATO fighter jets to engage the suspected threat. The incident follows a pattern of similar Baltic security events, underscoring persistent unmanned-airspace risks in the region.

2026-05-21T03:13:55.800829-07:00

Latvia detects drone in airspace, activates NATO fighter jets to counter the threat

SpaceWatch Global

Lithuanian swarm-software firm targets Series A amid NATO-focused investor push and 10x backlog growth Lithuania’s unmanned defense systems specialist, led by CEO Vytenis Buzas, is pursuing a Series A as its backlog reaches “10 times” growth. The company says it aims for a fifteenfold revenue jump this year and is limiting investor outreach to NATO and European capitals.

2026-05-21T02:05:47.884802-07:00

Lithuanian swarm-software firm targets Series A amid NATO-focused investor push and 10x backlog growth

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UAV Development & Drone Programs News

Amprius and Matternet team up to scale high-energy-density silicon anode cells for autonomous drone delivery

AFSOC MQ-9 Reapers integrate GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb for improved stand-off strike

General Atomics restarts YFQ-42A flight testing after April crash; software fix targets autopilot weight miscalculation

GA-ASI and Saab complete first flight of MQ-9B SkyGuardian with Saab LoyalEye airborne early warning radar

News Timeline