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Unmanned Systems

Pentagon to Leverage Commercial R&D in Hybrid VTOL Aircraft for Logistics

By Brian Garrett-Glaser

Tuesday, January 28th, 2020

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Pentagon to Leverage Commercial R&D in Hybrid VTOL Aircraft for Logistics

Concept art of Sabrewing's hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, called 'Rhaegal,' slated for FAA certification in 2023. (Sabrewing)

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Officials from the Pentagon and White House emphasized their support and interest in the ongoing development of revolutionary VTOL aircraft at the Transformative Vertical Flight conference last week. The new class of aircraft, which combine elements of helicopters and airplanes and use either hybrid or fully electric propulsion, are being developed by dozens of companies for use as commercial air taxis in traffic-congested cities. The military continues to express high-level interest in these aircraft, often referred…

Congress

Warren And Sheehy Renew Call for “Right to Repair” In NDAA

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Timothy Sheehy (R-Mont.), two members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), are renewing their call for “Right to Repair” language in the National […]

HASC Looks To Restrict USV Deliveries Without Navy CONOPS And Strategy

The House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) fiscal year 2027 defense policy draft bill aims to restrict the Navy’s use of unmanned surface vessels (USV) until it decides on key factors […]

Congress

Gaps In Army’s Tactical Counter-Drone Capabilities Remain Concern Of HASC

A draft defense policy bill released this week says the Army is fielding counter-drone capabilities for defense of fixed sites and maneuver forces but suggests that troops at the lowest […]

Army

HASC Wants Closer Look At Army’s SBMC Program, Cites Avoiding Past IVAS Missteps

The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) wants a closer look at the Army’s Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) effort, citing support for the development program while expressing caution to avoid […]