WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. military's experimental Liberty Lifter heavy cargo seaplane program has a new sole contender: Aurora Flight Sciences. The Defense Department awarded Aurora an $8.3 million contract extension to continue developing its design after competitor General Atomics' proposal was dropped.

DARPA, the Pentagon's research arm, originally envisioned a Liberty Lifter rivalling the massive C-17 Globemaster in size. However, the project has been scaled back to roughly a C-130 Hercules for the demonstrator phase, with potential for future expansion based on success.

General Atomics proposed a unique twin-hull design for water stability, while Aurora's concept resembles a traditional flying boat with a single hull and high, angled wings. Aurora's latest iteration moves the floats to the wingtips and incorporates a new pi-shaped tail design for better cargo door access.

According to DARPA, General Atomics' design couldn't meet the program's ambitious goals and tight timelines. Aurora, on the other hand, impressed with its adherence to the aggressive schedule and technical requirements.

Aurora, partnered with shipyard ReconCraft and naval engineering firm Gibbs & Cox, will undergo a preliminary design review in early 2025. A successful review will lead to further design refinement, construction, and ultimately a first flight targeted for late 2027 or early 2028.

Source: Defense News
Associated URL: https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/05/10/darpa-taps-aurora-to-keep-designing-heavy-cargo-seaplane-in-83m-deal/

BOGOTA - Amidst mounting maintenance pressures for Russian-sourced rotorcraft around the globe, on May 1st the Colombian Military reported the loss of a Mil Mi-17 transport operating in the rural regions of the Department of Bolivar, taking the lives of nine passengers and crew members. The incident is the second crash associated with a Colombian Mi-17s in less than a year.

Source: Zona Militar
Associated URL: https://www.zona-militar.com/2024/05/01/otro-helicoptero-mil-mi-17-de-la-aviacion-del-ejercito-colombiano-se-accidento-en-el-norte-del-pais/
Source Language: Spanish

ABU DHABI - The United Arab Emirates is bolstering its air force relations with China amid fading hopes of acquiring F-35 Lightning II stealth jets from the United States, although it is unlikely to switch to Chinese fighters. UAE officials, including Major General Saleh Mohammed bin Mejren Al Ameri, have recently engaged with China's military leadership, potentially seeking alternatives like China’s J-20 Mighty Dragon due to difficulties with the F-35 deal involving concerns over Chinese influence in UAE’s infrastructure.

The U.S. had agreed in 2021 to a $19 billion sale of F-35s and drones to the UAE, but the deal has stalled due to issues related to UAE's technological ties with China. Meanwhile, the UAE continues to buy Western hardware, including 80 Rafales from France and holding joint military exercises with China.

Experts believe that while the UAE’s interactions with China are growing, they don’t represent a shift away from Western technology. The acquisition of Chinese trainer jets and joint exercises are seen as strategic moves to pressure the U.S., rather than a sign of a deeper military alliance. The UAE’s approach is considered a balancing act, aiming to leverage its relationships to secure necessary military capabilities amidst regional instability.

Analysts remain skeptical about the UAE significantly shifting to Chinese military technology, citing logistical challenges and strategic preferences for Western systems. The potential for a U.S.-Saudi defense pact could influence the UAE's prospects with the U.S., including the F-35 deal.

Source: Business Insider
Associated URL: https://www.businessinsider.com/uae-forges-china-ties-but-wont-get-j20-stealth-fighter-2024-5