914 Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)

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. Aviation News BAE Systems and Bombardier to cooperate on next-generation combat air 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.” See these press releases: Bombardier Signs MOU with BAE Systems to Collaborate Toward Next-Generation Combat Air Programs BAE Systems and Bombardier Agree Framework for Cooperation on Next-Generation Combat Air Production of AI-piloted X-BAT fighter jet coming to Puget Sound in 2027 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. For more, see: Leonardo brings Shield AI’s Hivemind to Royal Navy Proteus helicopter Shield AI and Insitu Pacific weigh New Zealand polar patrol UAV bids AlphaDogfight Trials Foreshadow Future of Human-Machine Symbiosis China’s CE-25A Electric Commuter Airliner Demonstrator Emerges 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. Hardened Shelters Critical To Survival Of USAF’s Tanker Fleet: Study 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: Aerial refueling currently depends on vulnerable forward bases and medium-range tankers that could be neutralized. Suppression of this critical capability could collapse US air operations and heavily contribute to US defeat in a war against the People’s Republic of China (PRC). U.S. aerial refueling architecture can be transformed to boost tanker-airfield resilience and incorporate adaptive mission systems on current tankers. Also recommended is a medium-sized, long-range, high-offload tanker capable of flying a modest distance into contested airspace, such as a Medium-sized Blended Wing Body (Medium BWB) tanker. Compared to the 250 KC-46As, acquisition and operation of 250 Medium BWB tankers could refuel more than twice as many force packages or refuel force packages more than twice as far, deploy forces across the Pacific more than twice as fast, sustain large-scale and protracted operations under attack, and cost $15.5 billion less over 30 years. Greece signs contract for three Embraer KC-390s, first aircraft due in 2027 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 9 killed after a Learjet crashes and erupts into flames in Palm Beach County, Florida 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.” See also: Learjet co-pilot in fatal Florida crash ID’d as Nathalia Gadelha, 20, who got her license in high school Florida Learjet 60 Crash: 9 Killed, N722BD Icing Reports & Final ATC Calls Mentioned More flights are coming between Maine and California Supersonic airliner in doubt as company shifts to powering AI data centers Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.