The fast-paced world of Military Aerospace Technology
The early aircraft of the 20th century started life as wood and fabric machines with two wings and one or more piston engines driving propellers. The technology of military aircraft evolved, and the two wings became one wing. The cockpit became enclosed and the pilot, or pilots, gained an on-board oxygen supply. The structure and skin became metal by World War Two whilst the piston driven propeller was replaced by a jet engine and the wing became swept to allow for supersonic flight, as the military fighter flew higher and faster.
Eventually engine exhaust nozzles could be vectored for better aerobatics and the infra-red signature of an exhaust suppressed to counter missiles. The transport aircraft remained subsonic but became larger with either jet power or many propellers. A wider variety of military aircraft saw platforms dedicated to missions such as early warning with huge radars. Fighter jets became bombers and electronic warfare specialists, jamming enemy ground radar and communications, not just high-speed interceptors designed for dog fights. A navigator or weapon systems officer would operate the complex avionics systems for these specialised missions and increasingly these onboard computers are linked to a network of satellites. Eventually composites and special coatings came to replace the metal skins as radar defeating stealth technology was adopted.
The Future of Aircraft Technology
On this page you can find the latest in technological developments for military aircraft, piloted or autonomous. You will find here a central resource for the latest advances in aerospace science and engineering, where you can track the progress of research and development programmes around the world, whether they are radar scattering fuselages for stealth, drone wingmen, supersonic engines or avionics that are networked with ground, air and space assets.
T-50 Golden Eagle orders boost for KAI
A further two KAI T-50TH Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainers are being purchased to boost the Royal Thai Air Force fleet, bringing the in-service total of the type to 14 aircraft
First flight for multi-intelligence configured MQ-4C Triton
A Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton high-altitude, long-endurance UAV has been flown for the first time in the platform’s new, highly upgraded multi-intelligence configuration
Robins AFB set to host USAF E-11A BACN unit
The USAF has announced plans to establish a Bombardier E-11A BACN squadron at Robins AFB, Georgia, which would serve under the 319th Reconnaissance Wing as a geographically separated unit
Northrop Grumman delivers ESPAStar-D to L3Harris
Northrop Grumman completed the delivery of an ESPAStar-D spacecraft bus from Gilbert, Arizona, to L3Harris in Melbourne, Florida
USAF releases new artist’s rendering of B-21 Raider
A new graphic showing an artist’s concept of the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider was released by the USAF on July 6
The 18-year-old who flies a D-Day aircraft
Ellie Carter became Britain’s youngest Private Pilot’s License holder just hours into her 17th birthday. We went down to Devon to take a flight with one of Britain’s youngest historic aviation fans…
Japan’s second Global Hawk completes maiden flight
Northrop Grumman has completed the first flight of Japan's second RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV
US intelligence satellite placed into orbit
Northrop Grumman has successfully placed a National Reconnaissance Office payload into orbit
Manufacture of first two B-21 Raiders completed
Significant progress has been made with the new Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider long-range strategic stealth bomber, following the revelation that the first two prototypes have now been completed at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California
New USSF space access capability launched
Northrop Grumman has launched the Tactically Responsive Launch-2 payload into orbit for the US Space Force using the company’s Pegasus XL rocket
Want more? Discover all the latest military airforce news, key updates on military fighter aircraft, military transport aircraft and first-hand coverage from military aircraft shows.