During Congressional testimony last week, Gen. Gene Renuart, head of NORAD and US Northern Command, told lawmakers, he has “real concerns” about the growing use of wind turbine farms to provide an alternative energy source. “The science in this is that the turbines themselves have a very real effect on the radars,” he said, explaining that “they distort radars” and “in many cases block the picture.” He maintained that creates risk for aircraft and the nation’s defense. Although DOD has been able to get some sites repositioned, some still pose a problem. He said, too, that DOD is forming an executive group to work with the FAA and industry to ensure companies know how to get information about “assessment tools that developers may use” before “they enter into contracts or expend money that might be put at risk” (Written testimony)
The Air Force has selected Collins Aerospace and Shield AI to develop the software Collaborative Combat Aircraft will use to fly missions alongside manned fighters, the service revealed Feb. 12—and drone-maker General Atomics was quick to announce it has already flown its YFQ-42A aircraft with Collins’ system.
