The Air Force Research Lab has awarded a contract to Rolls-Royce to continue its work in Phase II for the Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology demonstrator program. According to a company release, Rolls-Royce this past year successfully completed a series of tests and analysis of its ADVENT engine, which it expects to show improved fuel consumption rates and be applicable to future military aircraft, including medium and large unmanned platforms. Phil Burkholder, COO for Roll-Royce North American Technologies, said, “The relationship with the AFRL is one of our most long standing, and we look forward to continuing our partnership on the ADVENT program that will deliver a step-change in aerospace propulsion technology.” (Also see GE to Continue ADVENT Work)
The U.S. thwarted a drone attack on U.S. forces at Al Asad air base in western Iraq on April 22, marking the first time that American troops have been targeted since February, U.S. officials said. “We can confirm it was an attack on Al Asad,” a defense official told Air & Space…