Global Avionics Round-Up from Aircraft Value News (AVN)

Honeywell Aerospace’s Anthem avionics system is redefining the boundaries of cockpit technology. Launched in 2024, Anthem is the first cloud-connected avionics platform designed to integrate seamlessly with both current and future aviation ecosystems.

This groundbreaking system combines advanced AI with connectivity, offering pilots a tailored, intuitive interface that reduces workload and increases situational awareness.

Anthem’s predictive maintenance tools, powered by AI, allow operators to preemptively address potential mechanical issues, saving both time and money. Anthem’s real-time weather updates and automated flight optimization features contribute to significant fuel savings, a critical factor as the industry moves toward greener operations.

Impact on Base Values and Lease Rates

The Anthem system has already begun to influence aircraft values. Aircraft equipped with Anthem are seen as more desirable by lessors and operators due to its fuel-saving capabilities and reduced maintenance costs.

Analysts predict that aircraft with the Anthem system could command a 5% to 10% premium in base values over their competitors. Lease rates for these aircraft have similarly seen an uptick, with many operators willing to pay higher rates for the operational savings Anthem delivers.

The AI Revolution in the Cockpit

AI is revolutionizing the aviation industry by transforming the cockpit in several groundbreaking ways, enhancing safety, efficiency, and functionality for pilots and airlines alike. Here are the key areas where AI is making an impact.

AI systems process vast amounts of real-time flight data to assist pilots in making better decisions. AI predicts potential issues like weather disturbances, mechanical failures, or air traffic congestion. AI also analyzes routes for fuel efficiency and reduced travel time, minimizing operational costs.

While fully autonomous flights are still in the testing phase, AI-powered systems already handle aspects of automation in the cockpit.

AI enables more precise control and adapts to complex scenarios, such as dynamic weather changes. AI is paving the way for Single Pilot Operations (SPO), where a single pilot is supported by advanced AI co-pilot systems that perform tasks traditionally managed by a second human pilot.

Moreover, AI enhances cockpit displays and controls, making them more intuitive and less cluttered. Pilots can interact with AI systems using voice commands, reducing the workload during critical operations. AI-powered augmented reality (AR) overlays critical flight data on cockpit displays or pilot visors, improving situational awareness.

This article also appears in our partner publication Aircraft Value News.

John Persinos is the editor-in-chief of Aircraft Value News. You can reach John at: jpersinos@accessintel.com

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Global Avionics Round-Up from Aircraft Value News (AVN)

The Airbus A350-1000 is spearheading the next frontier in avionics: autonomous flight capabilities. The aircraft’s cockpit is equipped with sophisticated systems that blend sensor fusion, real-time data analytics, and AI-driven decision-making, enabling significant automation in navigation, takeoff, and landing.

While full autonomy remains a long-term goal, the intermediate steps taken by Airbus are already influencing market dynamics. These advanced avionics systems reduce pilot workload, improve safety metrics, and optimize flight efficiency. The financial implications are profound.

Airlines using the A350-1000 report lower training costs for pilots and improved on-time performance, both of which positively impact operating margins.

For lessors, the A350-1000’s avionics are a selling point. With the global push for reduced carbon emissions, the A350-1000’s ability to execute highly efficient, AI-optimized flight paths is particularly appealing to airlines under pressure to meet sustainability targets. This has driven up the model’s base value by approximately 8% over the last two years and allowed lessors to secure favorable lease terms even in a competitive market.

However, these advancements also carry risks. The costs of maintaining such sophisticated avionics systems are higher, and technical failures could result in substantial operational disruptions. Despite this, demand for the A350-1000 remains robust, underscoring the industry’s confidence in the long-term viability of autonomous avionics.

The Airbus A350-1000 is a long-range, widebody aircraft that represents the pinnacle of modern aerospace engineering. It is the largest variant in the A350 family, offering a passenger capacity of up to 410 in a typical two-class configuration and a range of approximately 8,700 nautical miles. Its design, technology, and performance make it a game-changer for the aviation industry.

Key Features of the A350-1000

• Advanced Materials

The A350-1000 is constructed using 53% composite materials, which reduce weight and enhance durability. These materials, combined with titanium and advanced aluminum alloys, improve fuel efficiency and corrosion resistance.

• Efficient Engines

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350-1000 delivers 25% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft.

• Aerodynamic Innovations

The aircraft features a state-of-the-art wing design with a high aspect ratio and adaptive winglets. These optimize lift-to-drag ratio and improve fuel efficiency, especially on ultra-long-haul routes.

• Cutting-Edge Avionics

The A350-1000 boasts a sophisticated cockpit suite with intuitive controls, integrated systems, and a head-up display (HUD) to enhance pilot situational awareness.

• Autonomy and Digital Connectivity

The A350-1000 is equipped with the Airbus Flight Operational Real-time Analysis (FORCE) system, enabling predictive maintenance and real-time performance monitoring. Its avionics also support research into autonomous flight technologies, positioning the aircraft as a testing platform for the future of aviation.

This article also appears in our partner publication Aircraft Value News.

John Persinos is the editor-in-chief of Aircraft Value News. You can reach John at: jpersinos@accessintel.com

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The Sierra Nevada Corp.’s unmanned Voly Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. (Image: Sierra Nevada Corp.)

Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) on Dec. 5 said the Navy awarded it a prototype other transaction (OT) agreement to develop the technology to support autonomous unmanned air transport capability for naval logistics purposes.

Under this award, SNC will use its artificial intelligence systems with its Voly vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Unnamed Aerial System (UAS) to help the Navy with its project to improve light cargo resupply capabilities via unmanned systems, the Blue Water Maritime Logistics UAS program.

The program specifically looks to solve a Navy challenge in being able to deliver light cargo over long ocean distances to reduce the burden on manned aircraft.

SNC said it will help develop the technology to help support the Navy with an on-demand, autonomous, unmanned air transport delivery capability needed for the U.S. Navy’s fleet and Military Sealift Command (MSC).

“The autonomous movement of critical parts and supplies in distributed maritime operations increases operational readiness and warfighting capability of embarked ships or aircraft,” the company said.

The company boasted its Voly UAS is a hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft with payload, range and endurance capabilities needed for multi-role operations. SNC underscored the aircraft can simultaneously carry cargo, additional fuel and sensors.

“SNC is proud to partner with the Navy to develop this critical game-changing technology. Our Voly solution with its long-haul capability, provides the technological advancements needed for safe and reliable resupply to geographically dispersed maritime environments,” Josh Walsh, SNC vice president of programs, said in a statement.

In 2020 the Navy said historic data showed warships often moved into partially or non-mission capable status due to logistics issues like electronics parts or assemblies that usually weigh under 50 pounds. Missions to deliver these kinds of parts are currently performed by H-60 helicopters or V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, but this review  spurred the service to look into using Group-3 size UAS.

At the time, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) had already acquired a Skyways Air Transportation Inc. drone for this Blue Water Maritime Logistics UAS experimental cargo transport.

SNC argued its unmanned VTOL aircraft has significant advantages over other UAVs or conventional fixed-wing aircraft for this kind of mission: they can perform point takeoff and landing with minimal space requirements, feature redundant lift motors and avionics, increased maneuverability, and the ability to land after engine or other catastrophic failures.

The company said its part in the Blue Water Maritime Logistics UAS program envisions Navy assets bringing large amounts of supplies to forward operating bases where fleets of unmanned aircraft can deliver needed parts to vessels in complicated maritime environments. This could help deliver the cargo to more widespread destinations.

“An unmanned resupply capability allows users to overcome the contested logistics challenges of the future and ensures forward-deployed units are stocked with parts and supplies needed for operations,” said Tim Harper, SNC vice president of business development. 

“The Voly hybrid UAS represents a new opportunity to completely disrupt how critical assets are delivered, by minimizing personnel and filling the gap where traditional delivery methods are unable to achieve the mission,” he continued.

Previously, in 2021 NAWCAD awarded PteroDynamics a contract to supply three of its VTOL drones for the Blue Water Maritime Logistics UAS program.

The Voly originated as a drone made by the former company Volansi, which SNC acquired in 2022.

A version of this story originally appeared in affiliate publication Defense Daily.

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Global Avionics Round-Up from Aircraft Value News (AVN)

In recent years, cockpit automation has transformed aviation, enhancing safety and efficiency. While reducing pilot workload and minimizing human error, automation has also introduced concerns regarding dependency and situational awareness.

As the aviation industry pushes toward increasingly autonomous cockpits, weighing the advantages and drawbacks of automation is essential. Are we entering a risky era of “robo-pilots”? Let’s take a closer look at the paradox of cockpit automation.

Pros of Cockpit Automation

Enhanced Safety: Automation enables precision in tasks like navigation, monitoring, and weather adjustments, reducing the likelihood of human error. For example, systems like Airbus’s A350 Autoland allow pilots to make precision landings in low visibility, essential in busy or adverse-weather airports.

Reduced Pilot Workload: Automated systems such as autopilot and auto-throttle on aircraft like the Boeing 787 relieve pilots during long-haul flights, allowing them to focus on higher-level decision-making. This shift supports fatigue management, a critical factor for long flights.

Improved Fuel Efficiency: Automation optimizes routes, altitude, and speed to minimize fuel consumption. Systems like Honeywell’s Flight Management System (FMS), used in the B777 and A320neo, analyze multiple data points to select fuel-efficient paths, which can result in significant cost savings.

Cons of Cockpit Automation

Loss of Manual Skills: With automation handling most in-flight tasks, some pilots may find themselves with fewer opportunities to practice hands-on skills, which could be crucial in emergency scenarios. Pilots accustomed to high levels of automation on A380s, for example, may lack the same level of manual skill as those flying older, less automated aircraft.

Reduced Situational Awareness: While automation handles routine tasks, it sometimes distances pilots from real-time decision-making, impacting situational awareness. This concern was highlighted by incidents involving the B737 MAX, where pilots struggled with automated systems they weren’t adequately prepared to override.

Over-Reliance on Technology: Excessive dependency on automation may compromise a crew’s ability to handle unexpected situations. Manufacturers like Airbus are countering this trend by incorporating greater manual intervention options in their latest A350 and A321XLR models, allowing pilots to reassert control when needed.

Future Innovations in Cockpit Automation

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and sensor technology are steering aviation toward more sophisticated automated cockpits. Autonomous takeoffs, landings, and even basic in-flight decision-making are being explored by companies like Boeing and Embraer.

The A350 is leading the charge in autonomous operations, serving as a testbed for innovations in digital flight decks. As these technologies progress, aviation will face a tipping point, challenging the balance between human expertise and machine intelligence.

This article also appears in our partner publication Aircraft Value News.

John Persinos is the editor-in-chief of Aircraft Value News. You can reach John at: jpersinos@accessintel.com

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A battle manager sends real-time commands to AI-controlled aircraft during a flight test over Iowa. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin this year has been conducting flight-tests of artificial intelligence-controlled aircraft in air-to-air engagements, including a more recent demonstration where a human “battle manager” aboard a fighter jet trainer commanded AI-controlled aircraft using a computer touchscreen.

The testing is being done by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works unit in partnership with the company’s Demonstrations and Prototypes organization, and the University of Iowa’s Operator Performance Laboratory.

In the tests, the battle manager aboard an L-39 Albatros assigned targets to two AI-controlled L-29 Delfin military jet trainers that worked together to defeat two mock enemy jets using simulated weapons. The AI software was developed by Skunk Works.

The AI-controlled aircraft flew with human pilots for safety purposes. The adversarial aircraft were also L-29s.

Earlier flight tests demonstrated AI-controlled air-to-ground jamming and geolocation, Lockheed Martin said on Thursday.

“The work we’re doing with the University of Iowa’s OPL is foundational for the future of air combat, where a family of crewed and uncrewed systems will work together to execute complex missions,” John Clark, vice president and general manager of Skunk Works, said in a statement.

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Gray Eagle 25M. (Photo: GA-ASI)

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) last month completed the final qualification test for its new Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE) 2.0 set to power the upgraded Gray Eagle (GE) 25M drone.

Following the three-week qualification test for the 200-horsepower HFE 2.0 engine, GA-ASI said the next step is the Army certification process to also allow use of the engine on the service’s existing fleet of Gray Eagle Extended Range drones.

“This test is the culmination of the extensive durability and flight test program for the HFE 2.0 engine,” GA-ASI President David Alexander said in a statement. “It’s been great to see the outstanding test results that have validated the design and development of the HFE 2.0 engine we have worked on so passionately for the past seven years and to bring this world-class engine to the Gray Eagle fleet.”

Last month’s culminating qualification test occurred at the GA-ASI’s flight facility in El Mirage, California and was aligned with the Federal Aviation Administration’s endurance test requirements, according to the company.

“Over the last 18 months, HFE 2.0 excelled in strenuous durability testing that included 2,450 full power cycles simulating high stress conditions during three extensive test profiles of 200, 400, and 651 hours,” the company said in a statement. “Additionally, the engine completed 50 hours of flight testing across the flight envelope.”

GA-ASI has described the HFE 2.0 engine for its modernized Gray Eagle fleet as a “highly reliable low-maintenance engine with a 40 percent increase in service life providing longer maintenance-free operational period.”

In January, GA-ASI announced the first flight of its new Gray Eagle 25M UAS, which the company has noted which features the new HFE 2.0 engine and is designed with a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) approach to allow for rapid integration of new capabilities, advanced datalinks and an upgraded propulsion system.

The first flight test of the Gray Eagle 25M, conducted in early December 2023, focused on testing flight critical operations and assessing the new variant’s HFE 2.0 engine and power generation systems.

GA-ASI has said the Gray Eagle 25M’s power generation system was designed in coordination with the Army’s Project Manager Endurance Uncrewed Aircraft System (PM EUAS), which it added will decrease “major maintenance actions and virtually eliminates the need for overhaul.”

The Army awarded GA-ASI a production contract for Gray Eagle 25M worth up to $389 million in early December 2023 and in late May the Army National Guard placed an order for 12 of the new drones.

GA-ASI last month noted it worked with General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems to design the HFE 2.0’s dual brushless generator, which it said will deliver over 50 percent more electrical power to support new payloads, will “dramatically reduce” field maintenance, and it’s designed as a “drop-in replacement” for the Gray Eagle’s existing generator.

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The U.S. Air Force and Merlin Labs may begin autonomous KC-135 flight testing next year, the company said (Merlin Photo)

Flight testing of an autonomous KC-135 Stratotanker may begin next year.

Boston’s Merlin Labs, Inc. and the U.S. Air Force’s 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill AFB, Fla., have been testing the Merlin Pilot system to provide autonomy and automation for the KC-135 tanker to reduce aircrew and allow crew members to focus on critical mission tasks.

In February, Merlin said that it had signed a multi-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with Air Mobility Command (AMC) and Air Force Materiel Command to develop and integrate the Merlin Pilot on the KC-135 to inform the Next Generation Air Refueling System and “pave the way for autonomous uncrewed operations of the KC-135–an unprecedented new capability for AMC and the USAF.”

Merlin said on Monday that its “airworthiness plan for the Merlin Pilot KC-135 testing has been accepted by the United States Air Force.”

“This joint USAF and Merlin project will evaluate the viability of scaling the Merlin Pilot to large transport aircraft, especially its innovative AI capabilities,” the company said. “Achieving this milestone demonstrates that Merlin’s system engineering processes are consistent with the airworthiness standards set by the USAF, and allows Merlin to progress towards aircraft integration, design completion, and testing operations.”

Air Force acceptance of the Merlin Pilot KC-135 airworthiness plan “is the first major milestone to be executed under this collaboration, and lays the groundwork for the Merlin Pilot’s certification basis and eventual Military Flight Release (MFR),” Merlin said. “Integrating the Merlin Pilot on the KC-135 kickstarts Merlin’s Part 25 airworthiness programs and is material to continued advancements on this class of aircraft. Merlin is targeting the end of 2024 for its design completion, with ground testing, flight testing, and demonstrations to occur in 2025.”

In June, the company said that it had received a $105 million contract from U.S. Special Operations Command to provide advanced automation for the Air Force C-130J airlifter by Lockheed Martin as a step toward such features for other special operations forces (SOF) fixed wing aircraft over the next five years.

Merlin said that it has had a two-year partnership with the Air Force and that this summer’s C-130J contract will provide advanced automation design and integration on the C-130J; ground testing; Test Readiness Review and flight test; full takeoff to landing demonstration; and integration on other SOF aircraft.

A version of this story originally appeared in affiliate publication Defense Daily.

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Pictured is a General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger drone (GA-ASI Photo)

General Atomics‘ Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) subsidiary and BAE Systems said that they are teaming to demonstrate autonomous electronic warfare (EW) systems that the companies believe could one day go on U.S. Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

Scott Bailie, BAE Systems’ director of advanced electronic warfare solutions at BAE Systems, said in a joint company statement on Thursday that the companies are highlighting “the maturity of autonomous EW mission systems in support of U.S. Air Force objectives” and that the companies are merging “proven EW technology and secure command and control on a rapid timeline in a small form factor well-suited for CCAs.”

The first CCAs are to be air-to-air, but others may be those for intelligence or jamming missions. The Air Force has said that it plans to field 150 CCAs in the next five years to complement F-35s and possibly other manned fighters.

General Atomics and BAE Systems said that they recently demonstrated “unique” EW features through a “secure, jam-resistant Link 16” network provided by BAE Systems, on a General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger jet drone–“used extensively” for autonomous drone/CCA development.

“The demonstration helps accelerate emerging networked electronic attack capabilities for U.S. Air Force Autonomous Collaborative Platforms,” the companies said. “The demonstration took place at GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon flight operations facility in El Mirage, California, and is part of an ongoing series of technology insertion and autonomous flights performed using internal research and development funding to prove important concepts.”

In April, the Air Force said that it had chosen privately-held drone makers, General Atomics and Anduril, for the first round of CCA.  General Atomics offered its Gambit design and Anduril its Fury.

The companies beat defense industry heavyweights Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, though these companies and others are free to bid on future CCA increments.

A version of this story originally appeared in affiliate publication Defense Daily.

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Avionics supplier Honeywell on Monday announced the start of an investment and collaboration agreement with autonomy provider Near Earth Autonomy to bid on for autonomous rotorcraft.

Honeywell said the initial example of this agreement is their teaming with Leonardo Helicopters as a competitor in the Marine Corps Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) prototype program. 

In July, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) selected Near Earth to lead this ALC team to offer advanced autonomy on the Leonardo AW139 helicopter. At the time, the company said this 20 month-long initiative aims to demonstrate solutions able to transport various kinds of cargo and for casualty evacuation in a contested environment in both crewed and uncrewed configurations.

NAVAIR’s prototype program specifically seeks to demonstrate rapid deployment of cargo up to 3,000 pounds over a 200 nautical mile radius, with the Marine Corps looking for aircraft to be operational by 2030. The prototype program uses an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA). 

Earlier this year, the Marine Corps first selected the unmanned version of Airbus’ UH-72 Lakota helicopter as a competitor in ALC. At the time, Airbus said with a contract agreement for Middle Tier Acquisition rapid prototyping with an OTA, the goal is to transition the prototype to fielding within five years.

The AW139 Near Earth-led ALC team is dividing the work into having Leonardo implement a fast-loading, security and unloading system for Joint Modular Intermodal Containers (JMIC) on its AW139; Honeywell currently provides the helicopter’s autopilot and will augment it for autonomous take-off and landing; and Near Earth will demonstrate a full integrated logistics system with onboard autonomy to guide the aircraft and modify flight trajectory to avoid hazards.

Near Earth will also demonstrate mission autonomy so “lightly trained” personnel can request, dispatch, monitor and retask supply deliveries.

“The ALC program is focused on achieving assured autonomy on an unprecedented scale. We are excited to partner with Honeywell, a leader in avionics and flight control, to create a comprehensive system for aerial logistics that can rapidly be put into commonplace use,” Sanjiv Singh, CEO of Near Earth, said in a statement.

Honeywell underscored the larger collaboration with Near Earth will allow them to jointly explore more opportunities for rotorcraft and unmanned aerial systems beyond the ALC Marine Corps initiative.

“Uncrewed aircraft are a vital means of keeping service men and women out of harm’s way in contested environments. But they must also be advanced enough to reliably and efficiently perform their missions, even in GPS-denied environments. Together with Near Earth, we’re seeking to advance the reliability and functionality of autonomous technology and build products that support autonomous operations globally,” Matt Milas, president for defense and space at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, said in a statement.

Milas also noted they plan to focus on retrofitting existing platforms so that they will “be able to deliver rapid, scalable solutions.”

Honeywell said the agreement will support the company’s “portfolio alignment” to three megatrends, the future of aviation, automation, and energy transition.

This is the second autonomous partnership Honeywell unveiled this month. It recently announced a partnership with autonomous military aircraft software developer Merlin to focus on fixed-wing military aircraft.

A version of this story originally appeared in affiliate publication Defense Daily.

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The U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program may be a fit for a five and a half pound BriteStorm stand-in jammer that Leonardo said that it is developing to allow the U.S. and allies to counter integrated air defense systems and fly deep behind enemy lines.

BriteStorm’s Miniature Techniques Generator, paired with Transmit Receive Modules and antennas, “will deliver world beating stand-in jamming capabilities, protecting friendly forces against early warning, surveillance, and target tracking radars,” Leonardo said. “BriteStorm can act as a decoy to stimulate enemy air defenses. BriteStorm can also produce obscuration and confusion techniques to deny the enemy from building up a complete air picture.”

In the United Kingdom, the Royal Air Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office has bought and flown BriteStorm in trials, and Leonardo views DoD as a “key potential customer for BriteStorm,” the company said.

“The BriteStorm payload is designed to be installed on the widest possible range of UAVs and launched effects,” Leonardo said. “It will equip each platform with an advanced array of digital deception techniques, deployable at long range.”

“Depending on the situation, BriteStorm’s effects can range from barraging the enemy system with electronic noise to more sophisticated techniques such as creating dozens of realistic ‘ghost’ fighter jet signatures, confusing and misdirecting the enemy response,” the company said.

The Air Force has said that the first CCAs will be air-to-air but that other CCAs could tackle other missions, such as jamming and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Anduril Industries and General Atomics may conduct first flights in the next year of their Fury and Gambit offerings for the first increment of CCA–first flights that could result soon thereafter in the beginning of developmental test (DT) under the Air Force CCA Experimental Operations Unit at Nellis AFB, Nev.’s 53rd Wing.

The long pole in the tent for CCA is full autonomy for launch, mission completion, and recovery. DT could aid in ironing out any wrinkles in autonomy.

The Air Force has talked about 3 to 5 air-to-air CCAs under the control of a Lockheed Martin F-35 or manned Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, but Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said last month that the conceptual number of CCAs per manned fighter is now higher, an indication perhaps of not only drones’ rising technological sophistication but of the possibility that the manned NGAD program may end or be significantly curtailed.

A version of this story originally appeared in affiliate publication Defense Daily.

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