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Army

Army Interest in Electric Aircraft Tied to More Powerful Batteries

By Brian Garrett-Glaser

Wednesday, January 29th, 2020

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Army Interest in Electric Aircraft Tied to More Powerful Batteries

Joby Aviation, which recently took $400 million in investment from Toyota, has a four-passenger electric air taxi design that can travel 150 miles on a single charge. (Joby Aviation)

SAN JOSE, Calif.--Advancements in electric power and battery density are catching the Army’s eye but aren’t yet ready for prime-time in military aviation, according to Brig. Gen. Walter Rugen, director of the U.S. Army’s cross-functional team for Future Vertical Lift. Speaking at a conference on transformative vertical flight here last week, Rugen said the Army is “doing some hybrid engine work” and tracking the rapid development of electric VTOL aircraft. "My challenge to folks – because the Army needs tremendous…

Army

Lawmakers Request DoD Briefing On Army’s Planned Cuts To Aviation Procurement

A bipartisan group of House lawmakers has sent a letter asking the Pentagon for a briefing on the potential industrial base impacts as a result of the Army’s planned cuts […]

Congress

CENTCOM Looking To Lessons Learned From Use Of LUCAS Drones

U.S Central Command (CENTCOM) is looking to lessons learned from its use of Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones by Phoenix-based SpektreWorks, according to CENTCOM head Adm. Brad Cooper. […]

Army

Hegseth Says DoD Open To Reviewing Army’s Planned Cuts To Legacy Helicopter Procurement

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told lawmakers the Pentagon is open to reviewing the Army’s planned procurement cuts to its legacy manned aviation fleet. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), ranking member […]

Congress

Appropriators Press For Details On Iran War Costs; DoD’s $29B Estimate Doesn’t Include Base Damage

The Pentagon estimates the U.S.’ ongoing conflict with Iran has now cost at least $29 billion, while a lead official noted the updated figure does not factor in damage to […]