Boeing said Thursday two X-45A Joint Unmanned Combat Air System unmanned aircraft “responded brilliantly” when pushed to their limits in a combat exercise flown out of Edwards AFB, Calif. The test required the duo autonomously to determine the best route and face pop-up threats as they identified and destroyed SAM systems. In the works: the X-45C, slated for flight testing in 2007.
Officials at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., said the range is “fully mission capable” to support launches following a major May 28 mishap involving Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket.