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Sunday, January 20, 2013

EADS / Northrop-Grumman Euro Hawk into Systems Test

Basically a proven airframe, although modified somewhat to suite the European customer, the aircraft is now beginning the real work of proving that the SIGINT systems and other black boxes can do what is required to get the mission done.  We're not likely to see much about the results unless there is a major technical or programmatic glitch.

http://www.eads.com/eads/int/en/news/press.20130111_cassidian_eurohawk.html

EMT / Swiss UAV Testing MUSECO Rotary Drone

I'm a veteran of a number of manned platforms, and a true fan of manned flight, but ignoring the increasing military and economic importance of unmanned and automated platforms will not make them go away.  Here is another to add to your list.

http://www.uasvision.com/2013/01/08/first-test-flight-for-emtswiss-uav-s-museco-unmanned-helicopter/

Chinese Y-20 Transport First Flight?

The story at the link below may already be OBE, but it contains some interesting analysis about the implications of the development of this airplane.  About the size of an IL-76, it represents a significant jump in that it is not just a  "knock off" of someone else's design.

http://thediplomat.com/2013/01/08/limited-liftoff-looming-y-20-transport-prepares-for-1st-test-flight/