Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Air Force Plans Next-Generation Engine Integration Activities by 2030
The Air Force anticipates that a next-generation engine will be ready for aircraft integration by the end of the decade, following years of delays. John Sneden, chief of the Air Force’s propulsion directorate, indicated that the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program will involve building and testing prototypes from GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney, with integration activities expected around 2030. This development is significant as the NGAP program aims to enhance military propulsion capabilities, potentially offering a more fuel-efficient and powerful engine for various aircraft, including the F-47. The program's platform-agnostic design allows for integration into existing aircraft, which could provide the Air Force with advanced propulsion options in the future. Looking ahead, the Air Force is requesting approximately $514 million for the NGAP initiative in fiscal 2027, with funding expected to peak at nearly $906 million in FY28. No specific aircraft has been confirmed for the NGAP engine, but the technology could lead to significant advancements in military aviation capabilities over the next decade.
Air Warfare Air Force Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) F-35 F-35 Block 4 modernization F-47
China Advances Toward Integrated Air, Land, and Sea Drone Swarm Systems
China is progressing from large formations of identical drones to a more complex network that coordinates uncrewed systems across air, land, and sea. The China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) highlights the evolution of drone swarms from mere numbers to distributed systems capable of communication and local decision-making. This shift is significant as it enhances operational capabilities in diverse environments, particularly in military applications. CETC identifies five key capabilities for effective swarm functionality: survivability, situational awareness, planning and decision-making, mission execution, and autonomous learning. While China has made strides in these areas, challenges remain, especially in integrating different types of uncrewed systems. Looking ahead, CETC envisions a heterogeneous swarm that allows various platforms to work together seamlessly. This integration could enable aerial drones, ground vehicles, and maritime systems to share information and resources, enhancing overall mission effectiveness. However, achieving this level of coordination presents substantial technical challenges.
Military
Marotta Controls to Supply Technology for US Navy's Next Generation Jammer Program
Marotta Controls, a US aerospace and defense contractor, has secured contracts to provide technology for two subsystems of the US Navy’s Next Generation Jammer–Low Band (NGJ-LB) program. Announced on September 2, the contracts involve a subcontract with CFD Research Corporation for a ram-air turbine power-generation system and a direct contract from L3Harris Technologies, the prime contractor for the NGJ-LB. The NGJ-LB is designed for the EA-18G Growler, enhancing its electronic warfare capabilities by disrupting enemy air defenses and ground communications. Marotta's involvement marks its entry into the airborne electronic warfare market, supplying equipment for the Turbine Speed Control System, which is crucial for power generation and regulation within the NGJ-LB pod. As the US Navy aims to replace the legacy AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, the NGJ-LB program, selected in August 2024 under a $587.4 million contract, is set to deliver operational prototype pods for fleet assessment. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Military
Kairos Power Initiates NuCAMP to Develop Advanced Nuclear Workforce in America
Kairos Power has launched the Nuclear Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Precast (NuCAMP) to address the workforce challenges in advanced nuclear reactor construction. This initiative is in collaboration with several institutions, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, and will be based at Kairos Power's Reactor Demonstration Campus in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The establishment of NuCAMP is crucial as the U.S. aims to deploy advanced nuclear reactors, which necessitate a skilled workforce capable of adhering to stringent manufacturing and construction standards. The center will focus on workforce training, manufacturing development, and collaboration, with an initial exploratory phase lasting 12 months to identify necessary technologies and training programs. Looking ahead, NuCAMP will explore advanced manufacturing technologies such as precast concrete construction and additive manufacturing to enhance nuclear construction processes. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between innovative techniques and regulatory standards, ensuring the successful integration of these technologies into the nuclear industry. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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