Army to test out 30 new drones and launched effects during EDGE 24

Army to test out 30 new drones and launched effects during EDGE 24
Army to test out 30 new drones and launched effects during EDGE 24

The demo come as two Army officials tell Breaking Defense that the service is reassessing its unmanned needs and looking at new lethal options.

Over next year, Army shaping FLRAA version 2 requirements

Over next year, Army shaping FLRAA version 2 requirements
Over next year, Army shaping FLRAA version 2 requirements

“We’re looking at how do you bring [in new] technology capabilities … in the cockpit? How do you put their ability to communicate at longer distances?” said Brig. Gen. Cain Baker.

Army eyes late fall for HADES spy plane work as it waits out protest window

Army eyes late fall for HADES spy plane work as it waits out protest window
Army eyes late fall for HADES spy plane work as it waits out protest window

Andrew Evans, the director of the Army’s ISR Task Force, gave Breaking Defense new details about the Army’s plan for the HADES future surveillance aircraft after a coveted contract award.

Army plans for Black Hawk to be Future Vertical Lift testbed for launched effects and autonomy

Army plans for Black Hawk to be Future Vertical Lift testbed for launched effects and autonomy
Army plans for Black Hawk to be Future Vertical Lift testbed for launched effects and autonomy

The Army has received its first two ITEP engines, and a re-engined Black Hawk will fly in late FY25/early FY26.

Drones, jammers and big balloons: In Morocco, Army’s Multi-Domain Task Force tests EW tech

Drones, jammers and big balloons: In Morocco, Army’s Multi-Domain Task Force tests EW tech
Drones, jammers and big balloons: In Morocco, Army’s Multi-Domain Task Force tests EW tech

“The Moroccans are fully integrated” in the exercise, said Lt. Col. Aaron Ritzema, helping hunt simulated “enemy” transmitters with high-altitude balloons and four different types of drones.

Army planning consolidation roadmap for loitering munitions and small drones

Army planning consolidation roadmap for loitering munitions and small drones
Army planning consolidation roadmap for loitering munitions and small drones

Army acquisition head Doug Bush said he and Army Futures Command head Gen. James Rainey expect to have a plan rolled out sometime this summer.

On the EDGE: Army details launched effects acquisition roadmap

On the EDGE: Army details launched effects acquisition roadmap
On the EDGE: Army details launched effects acquisition roadmap

The newer category of weapons will take center stage at this year’s aviation-focused EDGE demonstration, with the service exploring swarming options.

Army preparing for ‘launched effects’ rapid fielding decision based around Altius 700 prototype

Army preparing for ‘launched effects’ rapid fielding decision based around Altius 700 prototype
Army preparing for ‘launched effects’ rapid fielding decision based around Altius 700 prototype

Next up will be the first test flight with the fully integrated prototype that will add in the payloads and mission system.