BAE Systems and Bombardier collaborate on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) for a sixth-generation fighter, production of the AI-piloted X-BAT fighter jet is planned for Puget Sound, nine perish when a Learjet 60 crashes in Florida, images have emerged of China’s electric CE-25A commuter demonstrator, a study makes recommendations to reduce the vulnerability of U.S. aerial refueling capability, and Greece signed a contract for three Embraer KC-390s with options for three more.
BAE Systems and Bombardier have agreed to identify how they can collaborate on a number of technical areas as part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to develop a sixth-generation fighter by 2035. BAE Systems is the GCAP lead industrial partner, with membership from the UK, Italy, and Japan. In July, Canada became the first GCAP observer nation.
Under the non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU), possible areas of collaboration include systems design and integration, R&D, digital engineering, manufacturing, supply-chain and workforce development, and long-term support and sustainment.
Stephen McCullough, Bombardier’s executive vice president of engineering, product development and Bombardier Defense, said, “This provides a clear framework to explore how these capabilities can support next-generation defense programs, while strengthening industrial capacity, high-value jobs and long-term aerospace leadership.”
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Dallas-based Shield AI plans to build its fully autonomous X-BAT AI-piloted fighter jet in the Seattle area, and the company says it is now hiring thousands. The uncrewed VTOL X-BAT is a mobile aircraft that can be refueled, rearmed, and moved before an adversary can locate and destroy it on the ground. The U.S. Navy has reportedly provided $200 million in funding for the project. U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships already operate smaller Shield VTOL aircraft.
Armor Harris, vice president of Shield AI, says the X-BAT costs about a third of an F-35, with the same payload and twice the range, and it can operate collaboratively with other manned aircraft. A key part of the X-BAT is Shield AI’s autonomous software, called Hivemind. With Hivemind, an aircraft can fly and execute missions without human remote piloting.
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Images are appearing in China of what appears to be a 19-seat all-electric aircraft. The plane carries a CE-25A designation and state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) markings. The CE-25A is similar to the Beechcraft 1900 twin-turboprop, but with a lower cruising speed and less range. The CE-25A photos show ten electric ducted fan engines, five inboard on the top of each wing.
In a report titled Resilient Reach: Redesigning Aerial Refueling for Contested Global Operations [PDF], the Hudson Institute recommends reducing the vulnerability of U.S. aerial refueling capability. The think tank offers three key findings:
The Greek government previously approved the procurement, but it has now signed a contract for three Embraer KC-390 Millennium military transports, with options for three more aircraft. The first KC-390 is scheduled for delivery to the Hellenic Air Force in 2027. In a government-to-government agreement, Portugal will acquire the aircraft from Embraer for Greece, possibly because Portuguese manufacturing slots are were used.
See also: Embraer C-390 Millennium (KC-390) vs Lockheed C-130 Hercules Comparison
A Learjet 60 (N722BD) flying from Austin, Texas to the Bahamas crashed in Palm Beach County, Florida, killing all nine on board. The plane went down at high speed, almost vertically, in light clear icing and “moderate turbulence.”
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Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.
