2020s

Created this thread to bring together news reports on the impact of the COVID crisis on different specific civil aircraft (likely many early retirements and exits for a number of types).

Not surprising there isn’t a thread for this launcher as it isn’t exactly used that often. The next launch is for the NRO. https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/07/04/top-secret-nro-payload-installed-on-minotaur-rocket-for-launch-from-virginia/

I was always wondering why the radar antenna is not parallel to the fuselage (viewed from the side). Can someone elaborate the reason? BR Michael

Under the Chinese tank designations thread, I've mentioned the VN50 project: https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/chinese-tank-designations.34040/#post-399542 The thing is, I don't even known for sure that this was a real project. For the record, the VN50 was reputed to be a heavy IFV...

The article quotes a source in China who states the battery is ready for production now. The implications of such a battery go beyond electric cars to energy storage for wind and solar farms, and if suitable, as power for space vehicles...

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/06/04/french-italian-naval-joint-venture-invests-in-future-technologies/

In the spring of 2019, the Army awarded a contract to four industry partners to provide non-developmental tactical systems, also known as "off the shelf" technology. The Army will provide the tactical UAS to units so Soldiers in U.S. Army Forces Command can evaluate the system under field...

At the end of the Cold War it looked as if the M113 and FV432 would leave service either not to be replaced or to be replaced by more suitable vehicles. Thirty years later, they still serve in many forms and much refurbished. A bit like a London Taxi the simple box on tracks is right for the...

I noticed a Teddy Bear in Guards Uniform carrying an M16 (like the Canadian Army) and it got me wondering about the saga of the SA80 and what we are going to replace it with. I get the impression that of the rifles introduced from the 1970s on only the French Army got one they liked. But even...

https://www.ang.af.mil/Portals/77/documents/Resources/2019%20Mod%20Book%20v2.pdf?ver=2019-05-30-122634-043

Time this has its own thread. https://spacenews.com/europa-clipper-seeking-savings-as-cost-reserves-plummet/

Congratulations to Leonardo as Us Navy selects the AW119 as the new Advance Helicopter Training System replacing the legacy Bell TH-57C Sea Ranger, https://www.navair.navy.mil/news/Navy-awards-contract-new-Advanced-Helicopter-Training-System/Mon-01132020-1723

DARPA has launched in August its research program for Active flow control airframe demonstrator called CRANE (Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effecters) : https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/control-of-revolutionary-aircraft-with-novel-effecters-proposers-day I thought we needed a...

If anyone have information about these missiles, please share RAMPAGE ROCKS SPARROW

27 November 2019 was laid down first serial (second in construction) patrol icebreaker Nikolai Zubov of project 23550. Intended for patrolling in all climatic zones, including tropical and arctic waters, it, having displacement of 9000 tonnes, has autonomy of 70 days, range of around 10k miles...

https://www.forbes.com/sites/arielcohen/2019/10/30/a-breakthrough-in-american-energy-dominance-us-navy-patents-compact-fusion-reactor/#3a23e8971070

SKYRORA is new British/Ukraine Company for Small Satellite launcher Based in Edinburgh, Scottland. They continue were Black Arrow was Stop, using rocket power on Kerosine/HTP to launch Small Satellite. For moment they have 3 models Skyrora Nano II a small sounding rocket with 10kg Payload...

https://spacenews.com/nasa-to-develop-mission-to-search-for-near-earth-asteroids/

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/16/technology/neuralink-elon-musk.html

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2019/july/7250-japan-begins-development-of-its-next-gen-attack-submarines-the-29ss.html