The Air Force Research Laboratory has redesigned an extension of the C-130’s ramp as part of an advanced aluminum aerostructures initiative. Weighing only 30 pounds, the new ramp design is 16 pounds lighter than the previous model and, officials say, is safer and easier for loadmasters. The newer design also uses fewer parts and has no fasteners, making it easier and less expensive to manufacture.
Facing competition from fast-growing startups, Lockheed Martin is speeding up production of an “affordable, scalable” hypersonic glide body, dubbed the Next Generation Glide Body, the firm said in a June 24 release.