drone

The use of drones has changed the way the U.S. and its competitors conduct combat operations. Yet despite the broad capabilities touted by America’s varied drone aircraft, some combat operations remain too complex for the pilotless planes. For years, air-to-air engagements were among those operations best left to manned aircraft–but that doesn’t mean drones won’t […]

This week, the National Reconnaissance Office declassified a trove of documents pertaining to the long defunct “Tagboard” drone program, a reconnaissance effort so ahead of its time that it seemed like science fiction until only recently. In the 1960s, the United States found itself in a unique position: Nuclear programs in both China and the […]

This week, the National Reconnaissance Office declassified a trove of documents pertaining to the long defunct “Tagboard” drone program, a reconnaissance effort so ahead of its time that it seemed like science fiction until only recently. In the 1960s, the United States found itself in a unique position: Nuclear programs in both China and the […]

A bit over a week ago, we discussed a patent filed by Russian arms manufacturer Almaz-Antey in 2018 for what appeared to be a drone built around an AK-47 platform. The patent was first brought to much of the world’s attention thanks to a tweet from defense journalist Steve Trimble. Russian air defense manufacturer Almaz-Antey […]

Last July, a single grainy image of Russia’s long-anticipated Okhotnik (Hunter) unmanned combat aerial vehicle hit the web, prompting a flurry of headlines speculating about the 20-ton drone’s potential as a low-observability platform that could offer the Russian military greater deep-penetration capabilities with their legacy bombers. To give an arguably overly simplistic explanation of why […]

The Australian government and Boeing recently unveiled their plans for a “Loyal Wingman” drone system that would provide multiple support drones for fighters, bombers, and even unarmed aircraft during combat operations. Now, the U.S. Air Force has begun touting a new endeavor, dubbed “Skyborg,” that could take the Loyal Wingman concept to the next level. […]

Defense journalist Steven Trimble caught the attention of aviation nerds and gun aficionados alike with the discovery of a patent for what appears to be a simple AK-47 drone filed by Russian arms manufacturer Almaz-Antey last year. Trimble took to Twitter with his discovery, pointing out that the rifle in the image does look quite […]

For months now, politicians have debated how best to address security concerns on America’s southern border. The president has championed a physical barrier or wall that would span the majority of that border and impede the flow of people looking to cross into the United States illegally. Many on the other side of the aisle […]

The Australian government and Boeing recently unveiled their plans for a “Loyal Wingman” drone system that would provide multiple support drones for fighters, bombers, and even unarmed aircraft during combat operations. Now, the U.S. Air Force has begun touting a new endeavor, dubbed “Skyborg,” that could take the Loyal Wingman concept to the next level. […]

For months now, politicians have debated how best to address security concerns on America’s southern border. The president has championed a physical barrier or wall that would span the majority of that border and impede the flow of people looking to cross into the United States illegally. Many on the other side of the aisle […]

Defense journalist Steven Trimble caught the attention of aviation nerds and gun aficionados alike with the discovery of a patent for what appears to be a simple AK-47 drone filed by Russian arms manufacturer Almaz-Antey last year. Trimble took to Twitter with his discovery, pointing out that the rifle in the image does look quite […]

The United States has long led the world in the development and use of stealth technology in aviation. Starting (operationally) with the F-117 Nighthawk and continuing with the forthcoming B-21 Raider bomber, America’s lead in the realm of low observability has long been the product of both the country’s willingness to invest in tech aimed […]