Rockwell Collins has successfully performed the first live, risk-reduction flight utilizing production fit, form, and function F/A-18 ground and airborne equipment from the Common Range Integrated Instrumentation System (CRIIS). This flight took place at the Atlantic Test Range (ATR) at Patuxent River, Maryland. Read more >>

Lockheed Martin has successfully engaged two laser-designated stationary targets with advanced laser-guided joint air-to-ground missiles (JAGM) during recent test flights at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. During the first flight test, the missile flew for 2.5 miles until it identified the target using its semi-active laser for precision strike, ultimately hitting the stationary target. Read more >>

The United States Navy has awarded BAE Systems a contract to carry out phased maintenance for the USS Iwo Jima (LHD7), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. This contract is valued at $26.8 million, with possible additional options which if exercised, would potentially raise the total value of the contract to $32.6 million. Under the contract, BAE Systems will be expected to perform a wide range of services including ship alterations, habitability upgrades, repairs to auxiliary and ventilation systems, as well as carrying out tank and structural repairs and preservation. The beginning of the phased maintenance will start on August 31 of 2015, with the end date of the maintenance expected to be on July 1 of 2016. Read more >>

IBM announced on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, that they built a prototype test processor that will significantly increase computer circuitry power. The chip is currently just a research and development project rather than a finished product. However, the prototype is important because it extends Moore’s Law in that it shows that computing power will continue its steady progress. IBM’s work makes miniaturize chips feasible, enabling devices like smartwatches and perhaps even augmented-reality contact lenses. Read more >>

In July 2015, Korea’s largest manufacturer Samsung announced their estimated operating profit at $6.9 trillion won (USD$6.1 billion), which is lower than the expected $7.2 trillion but higher than the $6 trillion won during January through March. Profits are down by about 4% from the same time last year and sales declines nearly 8% to $48 trillion won, which was below the $52.8 trillion won forecast. Read more >>

At the end of June 2015, Microsoft announced that they will be handing over their display advertising business to AOL Inc. and in addition, sell some of its map-generating technology to ride-hailing app company Uber. Uber will also gain about 100 employees from Microsoft that are focused on the product’s image collection activities. Those employees in the display ad business will be offered the chance to transfer to AOL and were promised they would not be laid off. Read more >>

Northrop Grumman has received a contract to provide upgrade work and spares for the LITENING G4 targeting pods belonging to the United States Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard. The $74 million indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract upgrades will enable digital, high definition video from the AN/AAQ-28(V) LITENING G4 advanced targeting system to the cockpit. Read more >>

The United States Department of Defense is picking up the hoverbike Kickstarter project, Malloy Hoverbike. The British-made hoverbike will serve as a multiple purpose transport for soldiers over difficult terrain, drone purposes, and logistical or surveillance support. Malloy Aeronautics announced that they will be in partnership with a long-time US DoD defense contractor, Maryland-based SURVICE Engineering, to develop and manufacture the craft. Work will be completed in Maryland and the hoverbike will be developed with the United States Army Research Laboratory (ARL) which classifies the hoverbike as “a new class of Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle (TRV).” Read more >>

Airbus has selected major aerostructure suppliers, including Stelia Aerospace and Aernnova, for its Beluga XL super transporter plane. The suppliers will bring their seasoned experience to Airbus, and each will provide a unique part developed for the one-of-a-kind aircraft. Read more >>

In June 2015, Airbus Helicopters revealed the concept of a successor to the popular Super Puma aircraft. The radical heavy-weight twin-engine X6 appears as though it will share many of the design features of the company’s recently-launched H160 medium helicopter, with a five-bladed main rotor, making use of new low-noise blade technologies as well as new materials in the fuselage and structure. This new X6 program was launched at the 51^st Paris Air Show and Airbus Helicopters CEO Guillaume Faury is very excited. He said in a statement that the X6 will be the company’s first commercial product to adopt a fly by wire control system. Currently, the NH90 helicopter is the only one in the Airbus fleet that is stable enough to support this system. Read more >>