Aviation | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Aviation’ Category

GA-ASI Acquires Assets of Achates Power, Inc

Thursday, August 21st, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 19 August 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems and cutting-edge aerospace technologies, today announced the acquisition of key assets, including a portfolio of patents and other intellectual property, from Achates Power, Inc., a San Diego-based innovator in advanced engine technology.

The acquisition strengthens GA-ASI’s capabilities in high-performance propulsion systems and underscores GA-ASI’s commitment to advancing propulsion technologies for its line of unmanned aircraft systems that enhance the performance and sustainability of its aerospace systems.

“We are excited to incorporate Achates Power’s opposed-piston engine technology into GA-ASI’s portfolio,” said David Alexander, President of GA-ASI. “Their advancements in green technology emission reduction, fuel efficiency and power density align perfectly with our mission to deliver innovative solutions for airborne platforms.”

Achates Power has long been recognized for its groundbreaking work in developing best-in-class low-emission, fuel-efficient, and high-power-density engines.

“Achates Power’s engine designs deliver exceptional value for applications requiring high efficiency and power density, particularly in environments with strict emissions regulations,” said Dave Crompton, CEO of Achates Power. “We are proud that our technology will continue to thrive under GA-ASI, a company renowned for its technical excellence and diverse expertise.”

Posted in Aviation, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on GA-ASI Acquires Assets of Achates Power, Inc

A Short History of the HGU-56/P Rotary Wing Helmet

Wednesday, August 20th, 2025

I first began to see the HGU-56/P rotary wing helmet on Task Force 160 crews in the mid- 90s as it began to replace the Vietnam-era SPH-4 series of flight helmets.

Developed by Gentex and the US Army to support the US Army Air Soldier Program, it offers reduced weight and bulk while maintaining impact protection during extend missions. In fact, over the years, impact protection has only improved thanks to the Energy Attenuating Liner. Coincidentally, the EAL also moves the head slightly forward in the helmet resulting in a 3° field of view increase. Such improvements have also decreased the weight by 50 g from the early helmets.

The helmet includes dual visors with dark outer and clear inner lenses. Recently, Gentex has adopted the ARC rails developed for their ground helmets to the HGU-56/P. Additionally, a new comfort suspension system is on the horizon which will keep this venerable helmet relevant for years to come.

Seen above is the optional mandible which is quite popular with aircrew who must mean out of the aircraft in flight.

To learn more, visit shop.gentexcorp.com/gentex-hgu-56-p-rotary-wing-helmet-system.

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Helmets | 3 Comments »

Gentex Presents: PURSUIT – The Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet

Wednesday, August 6th, 2025

The Gentex PURSUIT Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet provides tactical advantage for aircrew.

The helmet fits over 99% of the anthropometric range with 4 helmet sizes and 3 module sizes for extreme comfort and stability. Additionally, the Optimized Center of Gravity offers increased stability with each configuration to significantly reduce neck injury potential, ensuring optimal comfort and safety during extended use.

This adaptable helmet reduces maintainer touch-time and eliminates the need for aircrew to have multiple helmets due to its configurable design.

PURSUIT’s modular design can now be enhanced with four best-in-class Head Mounted Displays:

• PURSUIT Slick
• Thales Scorpion
• Collins Elbit Vision Systems JHMCS
• Collins Elbit Vision Systems Zero-G HMDS+

The future of headborne protection is here.

Learn More About PURSUIT: Gentex Corporation | Pursuit Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Helmets | Comments Off on Gentex Presents: PURSUIT – The Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet

LIFT Airborne Technologies Makes History with AV2 Vendetta – First Fixed-Wing Helmet to Pass USAF’s 600 KEAS Ejection Sled Test

Friday, August 1st, 2025

Six-year development journey leads to a new benchmark in military aviation safety and performance.

LIFT Airborne Technologies is proud to announce a historic breakthrough in aviation head protection with the AV2 Vendetta, the first fixed-wing flight helmet in history to pass the U.S. Air Force’s 600 KEAS ejection sled test — one of the most extreme and demanding milestones in military aviation. The AV2 also successfully completed over 50 additional MIL-STD tests, establishing a new standard for fixed-wing helmet systems. The AV2 Vendetta is the result of a six-year collaboration between LIFT Airborne and the U.S. Air Force through the AFWERX innovation program. Designed from the ground up to meet the needs of modern aircrews, AV2 reimagines the fixed-wing helmet from shell to optics – delivering unmatched safety, comfort, and mission adaptability. “We didn’t set out to make history,” said a LIFT Airborne spokesperson. “We set out to build a helmet worthy of the mission — and the people who wear it.”

AV2 Vendetta: Key Performance Highlights

+ 600 KEAS ejection sled certified — an industry first

+ 21% weight reduction over legacy systems

+ 22% improvement in center-of-gravity, reducing pilot fatigue

+ 2.6° increase in field of view for enhanced situational awareness

Constructed with 12K aerospace-grade carbon fiber, Koroyd®/EPS hybrid impact liner, and a MIL-STD-43511 magnetic visor system

Driven by a shared passion for flight and deep respect for those who serve, LIFT’s team of engineers, aviators, and test pilots embraced every challenge – from concept failures to design overhauls – with the belief that aircrews deserve the best protective gear possible.

The AV2 Vendetta represents more than a helmet. It is the foundation of a new generation of fixed-wing aviation equipment built for today’s flight environments and tomorrow’s missions.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Helmets, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Denmark Buys Four MQ-9B SkyGuardians from GA-ASI

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

NSPA Supports Denmark and European Countries in MQ-9B Acquisition and Sustainment

SAN DIEGO – 23 July 2025 – Denmark and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) have announced the procurement of four MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. The purchase includes three Certified Ground Control Stations.

Denmark joins a growing list of European countries that have selected MQ-9B for its multi-domain capabilities with exceptionally long range and endurance. The platform provides pole-to-pole satellite control and de-icing capabilities to enable missions in the harsh conditions of the Arctic in support of Denmark and its NATO Allies. Additionally, MQ-9B’s in-house-developed Detect and Avoid System aids MQ-9B’s ability to fly in unsegregated airspace for domestic civilian operations, making it highly versatile for operations from Denmark.

MQ-9B recently became the first large remotely piloted aircraft to obtain a Military Type Certificate (MTC) from the UK’s Military Aviation Authority, certifying its safe operation without geographic restrictions, including over populous areas.

“It’s been a very productive year for our MQ-9B platforms,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “First, we earned MTC and now we’ve added Denmark to the U.K., Belgium, and Poland as MQ-9B customers in Europe. I believe the extensive waters of the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Baltic Sea of the Nordic countries make the MQ-9B a very effective tool for national maritime surveillance and security.”

MQ-9B SkyGuardian is the first and only unmanned system to offer multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) as an internal payload that can search the ocean’s surface and its depths in support of Fleet Operations. MQ-9B can also be fitted with a number of payloads including a maritime surveillance package with a 360-degree maritime radar and/or sonobuoy dispensing pods.

This sale was aided and supported by NSPA, which has developed a contractual framework for supporting cooperation amongst its member nations and promoting the proliferation of MQ-9B in Europe. NSPA has added MQ-9B to its portfolio of defense systems to contract on behalf of European nations, with the goal of enhancing interoperability while facilitating training and joint operations.

“This procurement demonstrates how NSPA enables efficient, effective and responsive multinational acquisitions for advanced, interoperable capabilities. We are proud to support Denmark in this strategic investment for national maritime surveillance and security,” said Ms. Stacy A. Cummings, NSPA General Manager.

Posted in Aviation, Contracts, International, NSPA, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Denmark Buys Four MQ-9B SkyGuardians from GA-ASI

XQ-67A Demonstrates Autonomy and Datalink Interoperability During High Desert Flight Test

Friday, July 18th, 2025

HIGH DESERT TEST RANGE, Calif. – 16 July 2025 – AFRL’s XQ-67A, a second-generation Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP), successfully demonstrated integration of government reference autonomy during a recent flight test in the California High Desert.

The flight showcased the integration of government-owned autonomy on the XQ-67A, paired with active tactical datalink communications, to enable dynamic mission execution and real-time coordination with both crewed and uncrewed systems. The event marked a major milestone in advancing scalable, modular autonomy and seamless interoperable crewed-uncrewed teaming (C/U-T).

GA-ASI unmanned jets include (top to bottom) MQ-20 Avenger®, XQ-67A and YFQ-42A.

“This successful test underscores the Department’s commitment to fielding autonomous systems that can integrate into joint operations using existing tactical networks,” said Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). “Government owned autonomy on the XQ-67A is a concrete step toward deployable, combat-relevant autonomy that works with and alongside crewed platforms.”

During the flight, the XQ-67A executed test points to validate the integration of mission systems on the aircraft, including autonomy, mission computing, networking, power and thermal management, and datalinks. Through a tactical datalink, the aircraft received real-time updates and situational data, giving it the ability to coordinate seamlessly with crewed aircraft and other autonomous systems in the future.

The XQ-67A platform, built by GA-ASI under contract with AFRL, plays a critical role in exploring the platform sharing approach to achieving scalable affordable mass. Its performance in this flight test advances the Air Force’s vision for an integrated autonomous force that can support and augment current and future crewed platforms.

The successful demonstration in the high desert highlights the promise of combining government-owned autonomy with proven tactical communications infrastructure. This approach accelerates technology transition and supports AFRL learning objectives regarding the integration of mission systems within the context of the highly relevant XQ-67A testbed.

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on XQ-67A Demonstrates Autonomy and Datalink Interoperability During High Desert Flight Test

GA-ASI Announces Investment in Dutch Technology Innovator Arceon

Friday, June 27th, 2025

Selection Follows Successful Pitch During Blue Magic Netherlands Event

SAN DIEGO – 26 June 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announces an investment in another Dutch business, Arceon, following the inaugural Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event held in November 2024. GA-ASI is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems and related mission systems.

GA-ASI selected Arceon following a compelling pitch they made during the BMN event and after detailed business and technology discussions with GA-ASI and GA’s affiliates, General Atomics Energy and General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems. Arceon joins Emergent Swarm Solutions and Saluqi Motors as companies receiving investment from GA-ASI following the BMN event.

Arceon is revolutionizing high-performance ceramic composites through their innovative, fast, scalable, and cost-effective melt infiltration process. Their cutting-edge Carbeon carbon-ceramic components — engineered for applications such as nozzles, nozzle extensions, leading edges, nose caps, and airframes — are tailored to meet the increasing and rigorous demands of the space and defense sectors.

“We are honored to collaborate with General Atomics in advancing hypersonic development. This milestone marks our official entry into the U.S. defense sector, presenting an extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate our technology on a global stage. We look forward, with great anticipation, to the journey ahead,” said Rahul Shirke, founder and CEO of Arceon B.V.

“We’re excited to be working with Arceon,” said Brad Lunn, managing director for GA-ASI. “Their technology could have a broad range of applications for GA, from high-temperature engine exhaust materials to hypersonics and fusion containment.”

At the Blue Magic investment and innovation conference in the Netherlands last November, GA-ASI and its partners heard pitches from innovative Dutch companies about the important technologies they are developing. The event was organized collaboratively between GA-ASI, the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Brainport Development in Eindhoven, and Brabant Development Agency (BOM). GA-ASI is delivering eight MQ-9A aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).

GA-ASI is continuing to work with the Dutch government and Dutch industry in supporting the growth of technology innovation in the Netherlands and anticipates holding its second BMN event in Eindhoven later this year. The company hosted its first Blue Magic event in 2019 in Belgium, with subsequent events held in 2020, 2021, and 2023.

Posted in Aviation, Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Announces Investment in Dutch Technology Innovator Arceon

WRANGB Hosts Arrival Ceremony for OA-1K Skyraider II

Saturday, June 21st, 2025

WILL ROGERS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Okla. —

The 137th Special Operations Wing held a welcome ceremony for the arrival of OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft to Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, June 07, 2025, Oklahoma City.

The Skyraider II is a cost-effective, versatile aircraft that will provide essential support for operations outlined in the 2025 Interim National Defense Strategy. WRANGB now serves as the home for the Skyraider II’s formal training unit under the 492nd Special Operations Wing.

“Seamless integration with total force partners has been the standard for the 137th Special Operations Wing,” said Col. Shelby Dreyer. “We are continuing that legacy as we usher in this Total Force Initiative alongside the 492nd Special Operations Wing to train for the multi-capable mission of the OA-1K Skyraider II.”

The ceremony introduced the Skyraiders II’s capabilities and mission set to 137 SOW Citizen Airmen. The Skyraider II is a new cost-effective crewed aircraft that supports geographically isolated Special Operations personnel in austere locations.

“The 137th SOW continues to build and preserve a force where human performance is our critical advantage – leaning into the advanced training and resource management that supports our preparedness in every environment, against every adversary,” said Dreyer. “With the partnership of our wings, this is the right time. Oklahoma is the right place.”

By SSgt Nicholas Swift

137th Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on WRANGB Hosts Arrival Ceremony for OA-1K Skyraider II