26th February 2021 - 01:13 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Christchurch RSS
Japan s army will soon have an operational fleet of eight King Air 350-family aircraft in service.
Textron Aviation announced on 25 February the recent delivery of a single King Air 350i aircraft destined for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).
The aircraft configured for multiple special missions was handed over to Japcon Incorporated. Textron said the special mission suite included ‘a removable, belly-mounted, forward-looking infrared installation, forward .
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Aircraft self-defence laser is expected to be tested in FY2024.
Hardware for the first Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD) pod has been delivered to the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for assembly at Kirtland Air Force Base.
AFRL scientists and Boeing engineers are beginning the integration process of main subsystems for the airborne self-defence system. The laser and beam control components are scheduled to arrive in July.
The SHiELD programme intends to develop a directed energy laser system on an aircraft pod that will serve to demonstrate self-defence of aircraft against SAMs and air-to-air missiles.
Over the past two years, the SHiELD team has seen major programme milestones and technology maturation, according to the AFRL.