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U.S. Air Force Awards GA-ASI Production Contract for FQ-42A CCA

Friday, June 19th, 2026

Company Will Produce Service’s New Uncrewed Combat Jets

SAN DIEGO – 17 June 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has received a production contract from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for the FQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The initial order is a significant milestone, beginning the delivery of production aircraft to the warfighter. GA-ASI designed, developed and flight-tested FQ-42A on an accelerated schedule unlike any fighter in recent history.

“This is an exciting day for our company and the nation,” said company President David R. Alexander. “Moving to production on FQ-42A is the result of an extraordinary partnership and many years of investments between General Atomics and the U.S. Air Force. We’ve been preparing for this order, and manufacturing is already well underway.”

The FQ-42A is a purpose-built, uncrewed fighter developed as part of ongoing investment in next-generation semi-autonomous combat aircraft. The aircraft’s modular design enables rapid integration of mission systems and mission autonomy software. GA-ASI’s software architecture, demonstrated through live flight tests on multiple airframes, provides the foundation for human-machine teaming in complex combat scenarios.

The development effort by GA-ASI fast-tracked, with the aircraft moving from contract award to first flight in just 15 months, one of the fastest rollouts of a new fighter in history.

GA-ASI was selected by the U.S. Air Force in 2024 to build production-representative flight test articles for the CCA program. The YFQ-42A successfully conducted its maiden flight in August 2025, validating a “genus/species” concept for rapid, modular, and low-cost uncrewed fighter aircraft development previously demonstrated in partnership with U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

GA-ASI’s approach enables a common core aircraft design that can be rapidly adapted for different mission sets and service requirements. GA-ASI’s Gambit Series concept for CCA envisions multiple variants that serve specific needs, including long-endurance surveillance; air-to-air superiority; air-to-ground strike and more.

GA-ASI has been building and flying uncrewed jets for nearly two decades, beginning with the company-funded, weaponized MQ-20Avenger® in 2008. The company’s XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station jet, developed in collaboration with AFRL, is a cutting-edge model for autonomous collaborative platforms with advanced airborne sensing and served as a flying prototype for the FQ-42A concept.

Pre-production versions of the new fighter were designated “YFQ-42;” with “Y” designating a prototype phase. The award of an Air Force production contract means the forthcoming aircraft will be among the first in history to carry the novel FQ designation: “F” for fighter and “Q” designating the platform is uncrewed.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Contracts, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

Sneak Peek – Pilot Finger Light by Princeton Tec

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

Coming soon from Princeton Tec is the Pilot Finger Light. Exhibited at SOF Select, it offers White, Blue, Green and Red light at 6 lumens. In addition to dual fuel ((1) CR1 / 3N or (2) LR44) this American made light has an IP68 environmental rating.

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Lights, SOF Select | 1 Comment »

Merlin Successfully Completes Critical Design Review for C-130J Autonomy Program with USSOCOM

Friday, June 5th, 2026

CDR approval marks the completion of the final design configuration for the C-130J, advancing the program to the aircraft integration phase

BOSTON, June 04, 2026 — Merlin, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRLN), an aerospace and defense technology company building the operating system of record for autonomous flight, today announced the successful completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) for its C-130J autonomy program with the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Completion of the CDR is a milestone in the program’s maturation, validating the system’s design readiness and advancing Merlin from design development into aircraft integration activities.

This milestone positions the program to enter a structured formal test campaign, including aircraft-level testing, reflecting a disciplined systems engineering progression from design through verification.

The CDR is part of Merlin’s previously awarded IDIQ contract under its C-130J autonomy program with USSOCOM. The milestone supports a demonstration of Merlin’s C-130 autonomous capability development, showcasing the potential reduction in crew workload through all phases of flight. Under this contract, Merlin is rapidly advancing its AI-powered autonomy stack onboard the C-130J, with potential pathways for expansion across other Department of War or commercial aviation platforms.

“Completing the Critical Design Review validates the architecture we’ve built for safe, scalable autonomy on large aircraft like the C-130J,” said Matt George, CEO and founder of Merlin. “We are grateful for USSOCOM’s partnership and guidance in this effort as CDR is another important step in demonstrating that our system meets the rigorous standards required for our USG customers’ real-world deployment. As we move into integration, ground testing, and eventually flight demonstrations, we’re focused on proving autonomy from takeoff to touchdown is one of the most effective ways to improve operations and safety for US warfighters.”

Posted in AI / ML, Air Force, Aviation, Press Release, SOF Week | No Comments »

USMC UH-1s Become Drone Control Platforms

Friday, June 5th, 2026

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. —

In a significant leap forward for aerial warfare, the U.S. Marine Corps has successfully integrated its iconic H-1 helicopter fleet with advanced, low-cost drone technology, demonstrating a new and lethal capability for the modern battlefield. During a recent exercise, Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1stMarine Division, showcased the ability of the UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters to act as airborne motherships, extending the reach and lethality of first-person view drones to strike targets from unprecedented distances.

“The primary objective was to test the feasibility of a non-kinetic drop and deployment of a first-person view drone from a moving helicopter, which we were able to do today,” said Capt. Quinton Thornbury, a UH-1Y Venon pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “From there, validate that we can control the maneuver of that drone from the back of the aircraft.”

The exercise tested a critical battlefield scenario where ground forces from 3rd LAR launched a Neros Archer FPV drone. Once airborne, control of the drone was seamlessly handed off to a specialized operator team inside a UH-1Y Venom helicopter orbiting safely miles away. The Venom, leveraging its superior altitude and mobility, became a flying command post, directing the drone to its target and validating the aircraft’s role as an aerial control station.

This utilization of drones alongside manned aircraft is designed to counter the growing danger of more sophisticated air defense systems that force helicopters to operate from farther away, limiting their effectiveness. By pairing the H-1’s endurance and perspective with the drone’s speed and expendability, the Marine Corps is taking the next step the integration of drones on the battlefield.

This tactic allows us to keep our air crews safe and sound while pushing the lethal edge of the battlefield out to where the enemy is.

“We are still providing our ground support, and close air support, but in a way that lets the drones close with and destroy the enemy, rather than putting our Marines in harm’s way.” Sgt. Matthew Pocklington, a UH-1Y crew chief, with HMLA-169, MAG-39, 3rd MAW

Blending the strengths of a proven aviation platform with an agile, attritable weapon. It gives commanders a scalable, cost-effective option to service a wide range of threats without risking the aircraft or expending expensive munitions on every target.

The Neros Archer, already the most common FPV system in the Marine Corps infantry, was selected for its proven performance and existing logistical support, which accelerates integration.

The successful demonstration proved the viability of using FPV drones as a remote extension of the helicopter’s own sensors and weapons. The small, precise nature of the drones also minimizes collateral damage, a critical risk factor in complex environments. By enabling helicopter formations to detect, target, and engage everything from enemy armor to maritime craft from a safe distance, this innovation ensures the H-1 platform will remain a dominant and relevant force on the battlefields of tomorrow.

By 2ndLt Connor Jenig | I Marine Expeditionary Force

Posted in Aviation, Drone, Guest Post, USMC | No Comments »

Gogo secures $7.5 million NOAA Contract, Providing Mission-Critical Communications Services for ‘Hurricane Hunter’ Aircraft

Thursday, June 4th, 2026

SD Government, a Gogo company serving the military and government markets, has secured a significant multi-year blanket purchase agreement (BPA) with the United States Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to support essential airborne “Hurricane Hunting” activities via satellite communications, ahead of the 2026 hurricane season.

Broomfield, Colo. / 4 June 2026 – SD Government, a Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO) company serving the military and government markets, announced today that it has secured a multi-year framework contract from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This contract supports the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center (AOC), home to the renowned Hurricane Hunter fleet, including the Lockheed Martin WP-3D aircraft known as “Kermit” and “Miss Piggy,” among others. These aircraft provide essential research data, enabling effective, real-time, actionable information.

The agreement includes a total obligation of $7.5 million for SD Government to deliver a comprehensive mission communications solution. This includes L-Band satellite communications (SATCOM), ground infrastructure, and cybersecurity solutions via Gogo’s data center in Melbourne, Florida, along with Gogo’s FlightDeck Freedom cockpit datalink software suite, ensuring reliable communications and streamlined flight operations ahead of the upcoming hurricane season.

“NOAA is a trusted global leader in airborne research, offering life-saving services to the U.S. and other nations. We’re proud to support the delivery of vital data from the storm’s eye to decision-makers, utilizing our robust and reliable networks and infrastructure,” says Ben Massey, Senior Vice President of Government Sales at Gogo.

Posted in Aviation, Comms, Press Release | No Comments »

GA-ASI Completes First Flight of MQ-9B With AEW Pods

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

New Development Effort Will Enable Airborne Early Warning Capability for MQ-9B

SAN DIEGO – 21 May 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) flew its MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft for the first time with Airborne Early Warning (AEW) pods. The much-anticipated AEW capability is being provided through a partnership with Saab. Once the AEW sensor, named LoyalEye, is made available to MQ-9B operators and new customers, it will deliver persistent and cost-effective air surveillance capabilities in regions where it is currently unavailable.

GA-ASI conducted a validation flight of MQ-9B using AEW radar pods on May 19 from GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon flight operations facility in Southern California using a company-owned aircraft. The flight signaled the first step in a development process that is expected to take several months and culminate with a full-capability demonstration later this year.

GA-ASI and Saab announced their partnership last year with the intention of bringing AEW capability to the MQ-9B platform.

MQ-9B models include the SkyGuardian®and SeaGuardian®, the United Kingdom’s MQ-9B variant known as Protector, and the new MQ-9B STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) configuration currently in development for naval aircraft carriers.

“AEW for MQ-9B will offer critical aloft sensing to defend against tactical air munitions, guided missiles, drones, fighter and bomber aircraft, and other threats. Operational availability for a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS is the highest of any military aircraft, and as an unmanned platform, its aircrews are not put into harm’s way,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.

“This partnership integrates MQ-9B with LoyalEye, equipping operators with vital information for critical decision-making. LoyalEye extends the capabilities of manned systems, and it offers persistent surveillance and greater operational flexibility. This enhances situational awareness and boosts mission success,” said Carl-Johan Bergholm, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Surveillance at Saab.

GA-ASI and Saab’s AEW offering will span a wide range of applications, including early detection and warning, long-range detection and tracking, and simultaneous target tracking and flexible system integration, all over line-of-sight and SATCOM connectivity.

Posted in Aviation, EW, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Completes First Flight of MQ-9B With AEW Pods

AFSOC Unveils OA-1K Skyraider II Rapid Deployment Capability at SOF Week

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. —

During the annual Special Operations Forces Week conference, Air Force Special Operations Command unveiled a unique capability of its OA-1K Skyraider II.

To fulfill rapid deployment requirements and further provide expeditionary agility, AFSOC’s newest platform, the Skyraider II, is capable of rapid break-down disassembly and reassembly. In this broken-down state, one or several Skyraider IIs can be loaded onto a larger aircraft and moved during strategic airlift to a new location, overcoming the tyranny of distance. Upon arrival at its destination, crews can quickly configure the aircraft to a flyable operational condition.

“This capability is right in line with our vision of the versatility the OA-1K and its crews will provide to our teammates,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, AFSOC commander. “The OA-1K offers a unique and modular solution for a wide range of operations, including armed overwatch, at a fraction of a cost of other platforms.”

The OA-1K was designed to be adaptable across mission requirements, whether it be close air support, precision strike, or armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

“SOF teams will value the Skyraider II’s ability to operate alongside them in austere environments,” said Conley. “Whether you need an OA-1K to find, fix, target, or engage directly, it will adapt to the requirements of the mission at hand.”

AFSOC will have an OA-1K static present at this year’s SOF Week conference. SOF Week is an annual, week-long conference that brings together the international SOF community, industry partners and leaders across U.S. Special Operations Command.

While at SOF Week, AFSOC leaders will engage with key stakeholders that will utilize the Skyraider II in the future, while strengthening strategic partnerships across the SOF enterprise to accelerate collective modernization.

The first missionized OA-1K was delivered to AFSOC on April 3, 2025. Since then, formal training has been anchored at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma, where operators are refining the platform’s specialized capabilities, including its rapid deployment advantage.

“The rapid disassembly and reassembly means, in a matter of hours, the aircraft can be loaded into mobility aircraft like a C-5 or C-17 for worldwide deployment,” said Lt. Col. Robert Wilson, AFSOC’s Armed Overwatch requirements branch chief. “With the OA-1K ‘any place, any time, anywhere’ is not just a motto, but an actual capability.”

ASFOC will continue to validate this capability in upcoming operational tests and during regularly scheduled exercises. The flexibility offered to the commanders employing the OA-1K ensures they always have dedicated overwatch while operating in non-permissive environments.

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Press Release, SOF, SOF Week | No Comments »

Watershed Introduces the Waterproof Aircrew Survival Pack

Thursday, May 7th, 2026

The Waterproof Aircrew Survival Pack from Watershed was developed as an airtight and waterproof backpack system for isolated personnel. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, think downed flyer.

In addition to keeping critical survival gear organized and dry thanks to the 44” YKK Aquaseal zipper which creates an airtight, waterproof clamshell-style opening, it offers approximately 37 lbs of buoyancy in sea water when inflated.

Inside there are two laser cut Tegris panels for organization of SERE items, as well as storage pockets for the GAU-5A Aircrew Survival Rifle and magazines.

On the outside, the WASP features a laser cut MOLLE panel, an elastic keeper with cord lock cinch, and 36” webbing keepers with G-lock fasteners.

Shoulder straps are sewn in a continuous loop with 4000 lbs – rated webbing and Cobra buckles, enabling the pack to withstand high-G deceleration forces during deployment. Naturally, it can be stowed in and deployed from ACES II and ACES V ejection seats.

Construction:

• All seams RF welded, no glue or tape used

• 500d Cordura®, 2-Side TPU laminated Kryptothane™ outer fabric, embossed to minimize IR signature

• Laser cut fabric panels are dual ply 500d Cordura® Armathane™ material

• 44” YKK Aquaseal Drysuit Zipper, with locking tab

• Laser cut Tegris interior organization panels

• Steel G-hook fasteners

• AustriAlpin COBRA® ProStyle shoulder strap buckles

• Halkey-Roberts 800ROL oral inflate/deflate valve with lockout for buoyancy control

• Halkey-Roberts 780RP pressure relief valve prevents overinflation

• MIL-W-5625 Webbing (shoulder straps)

• MIL-W-17337 Webbing (all other straps and handles)

• Gov E Milspec thread, A-A-59826A

Be sure to check out the new WASP as well as Watershed’s other waterproof load carriage systems at SOF Select during SOF Week in Tampa, Florida, May 19 & 20.

For more information, visit www.drybags.com or email orders@drybags.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Load Carrying, Maritime | No Comments »