Rockwell Shows Off Self-Healing UAV

Rockwell Shows Off Self-Healing UAV: "Rockwell Collins plans to demonstrate autonomous recovery, safe landing after severe damage. With video."

(Via AviationWeek.com Defense Channel.)

U.S. Navy Receives Final Former-Swiss F-5 Tiger

U.S. Navy Receives Final Former-Swiss F-5 Tiger: "

The U.S. Navy today received the 44th and final former Swiss F-5 Tiger aircraft under its Navy F-5 Acquisition/Re-capitalization Program.

Northrop Grumman F-5 Integrated Product Team Lead Mike Ingalls addresses U.S. Navy officials and Northrop Grumman employees at the acceptance ceremony of the 44th F-5 Tiger modified by the company in St. Augustine, Fla. [Photo credit: Northrop Grumman]

Northrop Grumman carried out the work, modifying 44 Swiss Air Force aircraft into 41 F-5N single-seat aircraft and three F-5F two-seat trainers for the Navy.

Converting the three single-cockpit Swiss aircraft into two-seat trainers was a highlight of the effort, according to Rick Matthews, Northrop Grumman VP of East Coast production operations and site manager of its St. Augustine facility.

'This conversion replaced the F-5E forward fuselage with a refurbished F-5F forward fuselage at the basic manufacturing attachment assembly point,' he said. 'It was a monumental task completed by outstanding craftsmen and women.'

The 44th and final aircraft, shown below, is an F-5N, tail number 761550, that was built 33 years ago by Northrop Grumman and put into service for the Swiss Air Force. The upgraded aircraft will serve as an adversary trainer for U.S. Navy aviators.

[Photo credit: Northrop Grumman]

"

(Via MRO Blog.)

V-22 Faces Mission Capable Rates Issues

V-22 Faces Mission Capable Rates Issues: "An aircraft is usually deployed only after it has passed its Material Support date; the V-22 was deployed a year prior"

(Via Aerospace Daily & Defense Report on AviationWeek.com.)

Air Force fields special flight suit for JSF

Air Force fields special flight suit for JSF: "Pilots flying the F-35 Lightning II are getting their own flight suit, a more comfortable one that will protect their arms if they have to eject from the stealth fighter."

(Via Air Force Times - News.)

Dozens of Taliban killed in crackdown

Dozens of Taliban killed in crackdown: "Pakistan's military killed at least 55 militants over the past 24 hours as part of its week-long crackdown on Taliban militants, an army spokesman said Friday.

"

(Via CNN.com.)