2023 USAF & USSF Almanac: Weapons & Platforms

In a move to expand its space portfolio, Anduril announced March 11 it has signed a definitive agreement to buy ExoAnalytic Solutions, a longtime provider of commercial and government space domain awareness and modeling and simulations capabilities. 

Bell Textron is now building a new vertical takeoff and landing X-plane, the X-76, that can achieve jet-like speeds, aimed at special operations missions and cutting ties to traditional runway-based aircraft.

When you check the weather, the forecast projects the chance of rain based on barometric pressure, wind, humidity, and other factors. Now the Air Force Safety Center is offering a way to forecast accident risks, a dashboard intended to help mitigate against factors that historically indicate higher risks for mishaps. 

Just one year ago, Collaborative Combat Aircraft took center stage as then-Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin designated the two competing jets prototypes as the first unmanned fighters in Air Force history: General Atomics’ YFQ-42A and Anduril Industries’ YFQ-44A. Twelve months later, it’s the autonomy software that’s flying those aircraft garnering the attention. Autonomy software, more than hardware, may prove the most valuable and enduring element of the CCA program.

Operations Midnight Hammer and Absolute Resolve demonstrated the remarkable flexibility and overwhelming force possible when nations command control of the skies. It’s an object lesson to all who, having watched the carnage over more than four years of Russia’s war on Ukraine, some of whom have come to the erroneous belief that air superiority is no longer necessary…