MQ-25 first tanking

The USN announced that they had conducted the first aerial tanking to refuel a manned aircraft. (an F-18).  I am still puzzled by this use of a UAV.  It would seem much more useful in a combat role.  However, it may be that the MQ-25 may eventually become multi-role and this is the way to introduce it into service and gain experience with it.

UFOs?

Or are many of these recent encounters just enemy drones and balloons?  Read and judge for yourselves.

Arma Sukhoi S-70

No, not that Arma.  But I am not to proud to admit, I need this kit in my life.

AI in the USAF

Interesting story here about using an AI to fly a U-2.  The mission wasn’t unmanned but the AI controlled the flight.  An interesting step forward, especially with the “Loyal wingman” program advancing.

MQ-25A

The MQ-25A has flown with refueling equipment for the first time. The USN hope to eventually purchase 72 of these to replace the F/A-18s in the refueling role.

Losses

As some of you may know, Armenia and Azerbaijan have been fighting an undeclared war over the last few months.  Courtesy of Jeff “Inch High” Groves is an article listing the calculated losses for each side in equipment so far.  Given the small nature of the countries involved, these are some pretty significant losses.  Also, of note to me is how drones are changing the face of warfare, especially as it applies to the vulnerability of armored forces.

MQ-25A

In the next year or so the USN plans to stand up the first unit operating the MQ-25A refueling drone. (VUQ-10)  Interesting article which confirms that the drones will have secondary use as a recon platform, and maybe more.

RQ-180

Something mysterious was spotted in the sky out west recently.  Story here.  Not sure if it is an RQ-180, but it is very interesting.

Something else I’ve never heard of

On a completely different subject.  More and more of this stuff is creeping out into the open.

Unmanned fighters

Looks like the USAF is fully committed to these.  A 2023 initial deployment would be an amazing accomplishment and would completely change risk analysis in regard to kinetic use of force.