Chris Pocock
Defense Correspondent
Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30 years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.
Latest from Chris Pocock
Aircraft
Advanced Hawkeye Deploys, as NG Unveils Export Version
Northrop Grumman is developing a longer endurance version that does not rely on in-flight refueling.
Japan Introduces New Airborne Mine-hunting Helicopter
The AgustaWestland AW101 has been adapted by Kawasaki for the unusual mission
Aircraft
Dassault Describes Rafale Prospects; Reports Neuron Progress
The recent deal with Egypt includes three deliveries this year. The Neuron UCAV has flown 100 times.
IAI-Elta Reveals Ground Surveillance Version of Gulfstream G280
Israeli company adds to its range of special mission bizjets
Aircraft
A400M Problems Overshadow Airbus Defence & Space Performance
Head of Airbus military aircraft business replaced
Aircraft
Pilatus Rolls Out 100th PC-21
Swiss company competes in a complicated market for turboprop trainers
Aircraft
Hybrid Air Vehicles Tests Engines Ahead of First Flight
UK government funding is helping mature the huge, innovative hybrid design
Aircraft
IAI Reveals New MPA Based On Global 5000
Israeli company has chosen the Bombardier business jet as it re-enters the maritime patrol aircraft market.
Regulations and Government
Martin Baker Cries Foul Over Rival Seat Improvements
Row develops over alleged improper funding of modifications to the ACES ejection seat
Aircraft
Egypt To Acquire Rafale Combat Jets
Qatar could follow, but negotiations with India are still unresolved.
Aircraft
Drive To Reduce Typhoon Support Costs Continues
The UK Ministry of Defence is not yet ready to sign a long-term deal with BAE Systems.
Aircraft
First Flight for Embraer KC-390 Airlifter
Flying qualities were as predicted during 1 hour 25 minute sortie.
Regulations and Government
USAF FY2016 Budget: U-2 Survives but A-10 Still Cut
Service chiefs protect F-35, KC-46 and LRS-B but say that sequestration would force further tough choices.
Aircraft
Nigerian Airpower Hindered in Boko Haram Fight
The threat to fixed- and rotary-wing operations by Boko Haram is not insignificant, says a chief of policy for the Nigerian Air Force.
Big Air Effort for Small Reward Over Iraq, Syria
Strict rules of engagement and scarce targets, result in most combat aircraft sorties returning with weapons unexpended
Rotorcraft
NH-90 Maker Reports Good Feedback; Describes Support Efforts
NH Industries hopes to improve availability and encourage joint customer funding of future upgrades.
Aircraft
Korea Awaits New F-16 Upgrade Offer
BAE Systems may not bid on other international F-16 upgrade programs after set-back over South Korean fighter choice
Aircraft
Peru’s Re-Order Takes C-27J Sales Total to 80
Sales of Alenia’s Twin-Turboprop Airlifter Continue at a Moderate Pace
Aircraft
Textron AirLand Reports Scorpion Progress, Changes
Flight testing of the private-venture combat jet continues, and a second prototype is planned
Discovery Air Expands Fast Jet Training Offer
Canadian company is flying Alpha Jets and A-4Ns, with F-16s to come, on cost-saving contracts for the Canadian and German armed forces.
Scotty Describes Latest low-cost Airborne Satcom Systems
Austrian company is tapping L-band satellites for flexible transmission of high-definition surveillance video
Aircraft
Venerable C-1s and A-4s Being Upgraded for Brazilian Carrier
Elbit Systems’ U.S. subsidiary and Embraer are doing the work.
Aircraft
Only Three Nations are Takers for Joint European Tanker Fleet
The Netherlands, Norway and Poland will collectively acquire and operate A330MRTTs
Aircraft
Singapore, Malaysia are Buying Aerostats for Surveillance
Aerostat manufacturer TCOM suggests the market is growing at the expense of other airborne solutions.
Rotorcraft
New NH90s and Tigers delivered to Spanish, French armies
The Albacete facility of Airbus Helicopters assembles both types for Spain, and builds sub-assemblies for other customers
Limited Choices for F-35 Heavy Maintenance, U.S. Confirms
Security is a major factor driving assignments of airframe and engine MRO work for the stealth fighter
Aircraft
HAV Delays Hybrid Airship Flight; Selex To Study Sensors
The former LEMV won’t fly again until late 2015, but its maker and Selex are developing an ISR sensor payload
Rotorcraft
Military Success for Airbus Helicopters in Indonesia, Thailand
Four rotary types set to fulfill various roles
Aircraft
Italy and Turkey Win Major F-35 Overhaul Work
Choices for the MRO of components will follow these initial depot awards
